Sudanese march through the streets of the southern capital Juba (file photo): There are fears that national elections could spark instability. (Photo Courtesy Peter Martell/IRIN)

Regional Heads of State and Government meeting in Nairobi yesterday asked Sudan to ensure that the forthcoming elections are free and fair.

Inter-Governmental Authority and Development (IGAD) leaders stressed the importance of a transparent electoral process to sustainable democracy, peace and stability in Africa's largest country.

Concern for Sudan is not just on how the elections will be managed, but on the very future of the country in regard to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the generation-long civil war between north and south; and the referendum by which South Sudan will decide whether to remain in a unitary country or strike out on its own.

Sudan is still in a very fragile situation, both in regard to the relations between north and south and the situation on South Sudan territory where the rule of law is yet to be fully established.

Anything that goes wrong with the elections could provoke a conflagration that engulfs the entire country.

Hence the importance of polls conducted to the best international standards.

Free and fair elections in Sudan should also serve as an example to the rest of the region, for some of the IGAD leaders gathered in Nairobi are hardly champions of democracy and respect for human rights.