Sudan’s ruling party said on Friday it would back its leader President Omar al-Bashir as a candidate in the 2020 election, state news agency SUNA reported, a move that would require a constitutional amendment. Bashir, who has been in power for nearly 30 years, has previously said he will step down in 2020 and has not explicitly stated his intention to run again. “The Shura Council (of the National Congress party) recognised Field Marshal Omar al-Bashir as candidate for president in the 2020 election and has directed the relevant bodies to carry out the necessary measures for this,” SUNA reported. Sudan’s constitution, amended in 2005, limits a president to two terms. Another change to the constitution would be required to allow Bashir to serve another term. The former army officer came to power via a military coup in 1989. He won elections in 2010 and 2015 after the constitution was changed following a peace agreement with southern rebels. The country is in economic crisis, with the Sudanese pound’s value plummeting. Protests broke out over rising prices throughout the country in January. Sudan has struggled economically since the oil-rich south seceded in 2011. On Friday, Sudan’s Central Bureau of Statistics said inflation had risen in July to an annual 63.94 percent. Sudan’s opposition says Bashir must go to improve the country’s image abroad and attract crucial investment and aid.
