§ 18. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the forthcoming elections in Sudan, indicating the qualifications of an elector and of a candidate; 355 what proportion of the adult population will be entitled to vote; and what is the method of voting.
§ Mr. MayhewDetails as to the qualifications of electors and candidates, methods of voting, etc., are given in the Ordinance which was promulgated and published on 19th June. Generally speaking, male Sudanese of not less than 25 years of age, and with certain residence qualifications, are entitled to vote and stand as candidates, though for local reasons the method of voting differs in different parts of the country. Until the first electoral rolls are completed in the next few weeks it is impossible to give a reliable figure for the proportion of the population qualified to vote.
§ Mr. PiratinBut in view of the qualification residence on the part of electors and candidates, is it not the case that a very small proportion of the adult population will be entitled to vote; and if that is the case, will the Minister look into the matter to see that every adult is given the opportunity of voting?
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir. A very large majority will be entitled to vote. And, what is more, there will be a choice of candidates.
§ Mr. PiratinWill the Minister inform the House, at the earliest opportunity, how many will be able to vote on the basis of these qualifications, and what the proportion will be to the total adult population?
§ Mr. MayhewIf a question is put down I will certainly see about that.