South Sudan leader urges state governors to embark on voter registration campaign

October 30 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Friday urged state governors to immediately begin voter mobilization campaigns ahead of the south’s self-determination referendum in January.

There are less than 70 days to go until the voting in the referendum – the center piece of a 2005 peace deal – is due to begin. Voter registration will run from November 15 – December 1.

Speaking at the closing session of an annual forum of governors from the south’s 10 states held in Juba, Kiir called on state governors to start mobilizing voters to register.

“I would like you to immediately embark on mobilizing our people in the states to register. It is also vital for them to understand the implications of registering and not turning up to vote,” said president Kiir in a three page speech.

For the referendum’s result to be legitimate under the 2009 Southern Sudan Referendum Act 60% of those registered must cast their vote correctly.

“The referendum taskforce and MPs should step-up their activities to sensitize our people on the two options of unity and secession. The two sides must be permitted and facilitated to present their views equally,” he adds.

The president also urged state governors to seriously give attention to security matters to enable a credible referendum to take place.

“We must as a matter of urgency address any security concerns in order to create a conducive environment for the conduct of a free, fair and transparent referendum,” said president Kiir, adding that in order to ensure security, “our police must have the necessary support and facilitation to cover all areas of the state.”

The south is home to numerous armed groups who have destabilized the region. Cattle raids between neighboring tribes are also an issue.

“Security […] is a collective responsibility. This is not only the responsibility of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but of the states as well. The two levels of government need to work collaboratively throughout the referendum period,” he said.

He further explained that people of South Sudan are committed to determine their political destiny in a free, fair and transparent referendum on 9th January, 2011.

“Under the 2005 peace agreement which signed with government of Sudan, our people are free to choose whether to remain in a united Sudan, or form a new state. They are therefore the only judges on this, and no amount of media stories or press statements can alter this fact,” said Kiir.

“I call upon the people of the Sudan and all political forces in the country to respect and abide-by the will and choice of the people of South Sudan in 2011,” he said.

Kiir also urged governors to continue developing and strengthening initiatives on reconciliations in order to preserve unity among the people of South Sudan.

“We must continue to cement unity among the people of Southern Sudan, and guard against attempts by those who plan day and night to divide us,” said Kiir, using the speech to dismiss reports of a rift with the Vice President Riek Machar Teny.

(ST)