Carter Center : `` It is apparent that the elections will fall sort of meeting international standards '' `` Nonetheless , the elections are important as a key benchmark in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and because of the increased political and civic participation that has occurred over the last several months . EU agency monitoring elections said vote paves way for democratic progress . Counting of ballots began Friday in Sudan , nearly a week after voting began . The election commission has been criticized by human rights groups and some observers as being too close to President Omar Hassan al-Bashir's government. "
Carter Center : `` It is apparent that the elections will fall sort of meeting international standards '' EU agency monitoring elections said vote paves way for democratic progress . Counting of ballots began Friday in Sudan , nearly a week after voting began . The election commission has been criticized by human rights groups and some observers as being too close to President Omar Hassan al-Bashir's government. "