Some Sudanese activists believe the international community is pushing for these polls to take place, even if they are not fair, as the real priority is next January's referendum on possible southern independence.
The Bank and the Fund also believe that the conditions they place on debt relief cajole countries into beneficial policy reforms, such as putting a higher priority on health and education.
The vice-president began by allaying fears that he would burden business with a green and heavy hand: government has its place so long as government knows its place, he said, adding that slump in the developing world makes growth a top priority for governments.