However , the People 's Assembly elections marked the beginning of further political decline .
These independents won 140 of 304 seats , leading many observers to applaud Nimeiri 's efforts to democratize Sudan 's political system .
The People 's Assembly elections marked the beginning of further political decline .
These independents won 140 of 304 seats , leading many observers to applaud Nimeiri 's efforts to democratize Sudan 's political system .