In April, after years of massacres and violence, Sudan is to hold its first multi-party elections since 1986. It is unlikely that the elections will result in change. First it will be necessary to verify what degree of legitimacy will be permitted by President Al Bashir, charged by the International Penal Court with atrocities committed in Darfur. And yet, also in view of the January 2011 referendum on independence for Southern Sudan, this could be the first step towards change. In the meantime, the USA, Europe and the African Union are following events with interest.