Despite the boycott of numerous opposition groups, Sudan's elections are seen to be significant, marking the country's move from a military government to a democratic one.

The polls are also being held as part of a peace deal that ended the civil war between the north and south of the country.

And for many people in south Sudan, they are being viewed as a prelude to a referendum in January on possible independence.

Al Jazeera's Hoda Abdel-Hamid reports from Juba, southern Sudan (12 April 2010)