The Sudanese parliament is expected to elect a new speaker shortly, following the resignation of Hassan al-Turabi.

Mr Turabi, who's regarded as a powerful Islamist ideologue, stepped down on Monday in order to lead his political grouping, the National Congress, into elections next year.

The elections are being held under new legislation which, for the first time in nine years, allows the formation of what are described as political associations.

Exiled opposition leaders have rejected the new law.

They say the only way to restore true democracy in Sudan is to form a government of national unity and convene a new constitutional conference that includes all political forces.