Omer, Rabah Ali. "The Integration of Traditional leaders and The Democratization Process." Graduate Theses and Dissertations. Paper 10658(2009): 1-103.

Omer uses the Sudanese example to discuss the issue of governance in traditional and rural areas. Her research sought to ascertain whether traditional leaders’ integration in the democratization process increases popular political participation in Sudan. The author analyses the evolution of traditional leadership in Sudan and their influence on sociopolitical landscape. She also examines the relationship between traditional authority and central authority. Omer concludes that Traditional leaders can help strengthen representation of rural communities by promoting participation at the local and national level for nation-building. The author notes that since traditional leaders are involved in different types of social processes and have significant influence over their communities, they should be part of the democratization process. Secondly their influence should be used to link the people at the grassroots level to central authorities. Third, organizing traditional leaders into local forms of institutions will transform their influence into a more formalized platform thereby introducing accountability and transparency. Fourth, integrating Traditional authority in national structure will encourage cultural diversity and ethnic pluralism.