Khartoum, Oct 28 (IANS): Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said Monday that the presidential and legislative elections in the country will be held in early 2015.

"We announce the holding of the general elections by early 2015," Xinhua quoted al-Bashir as saying when addressing the 8th session of the Sudanese National Assembly Monday.

"On this occasion, we call on the political forces to get ready for those elections and work to provide the suitable atmosphere to ensure conduct of transparent and fair polls," he added.

He noted that the government would hold a comprehensive dialogue with all the Sudanese political powers on the amendments proposed by the General Elections Commission to promote the electoral process.

Al-Bashir reiterated the importance of consensus on a permanent constitution for Sudan with the participation of all the political forces.

"We are keen to run wide consultation on the coming constitution to ensure unity of the ranks," he added.