Campaigning is underway in Sudan as the country prepares for the presidential election on April 13. President Omar Al-Bashir, who has been in power since 1989, is planning campaign trips to several parts of the country in the coming weeks.

In Atbara, the National Congress Party Chairman General Al-Hadi Abdalla told the state news agency, SUNA, the state party was prepared to receive President Omar Al-Bashir, who is running for another term. He is due in the state next Sunday.

And Bashir is scheduled to appear in White Nile State the day before. Governor Yousif Al-Shanbaly has called on all residents to come and welcome the president.

The country’s main opposition parties are boycotting the elections, saying that the polls will not be free and fair.