South Sudan puts out referendum symbols
November 13, 2010 (JUBA) — In presence of hundreds of people who thronged the Juba-based Nyakuron Cultural Center to witness the historical event, the regional referendum body unveiled Saturday the long awaited symbols that will be used to determine the future of Southern Sudan on January 9, 2011.
Explaining the two symbols, Justice Chan Reec Madut, deputy chairperson of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission and Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau chaiperson, said the two-hand symbol held together represents the option for unity, while separation is portrayed using a waving hand.
Justice Chan Reec also appealed to the southern Sudanese to fully understand the two symbols, saying the duo will determine the destiny of the country during the referendum on self-determination.
But already, a vocal member of Parliament from Abyei region has urged the Bureau to find alternatives to the two approved referendum symbols, describing it as “totally confusing” to the would be voters, although his remarks could generate more debate on referendum.
According to Arop, the two referendum symbols are likely to confuse voters, given that nearly 90% of the southern population are illiterate, having been affected by the over two-decade civil war that took place in the country.
“I think it would have been better if the referendum bureau put something that will not confuse our people. The symbols suggested for the voting process will only benefit the educated ones at the expense of illiterate people,” the Abyei lawmaker told Sudan Tribune Saturday.
Arop further said the problem would have been made easier if different animals were chosen or if the referendum bureau had stuck to the symbols of a tree or star for unity and separation respectively.
On the contrary, Acuil Malith Banngol, an official from the ruling Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM) southern sector secretariat, praised the referendum bureau, saying the two symbols are simple and straight to understand.
“The two hands mean togetherness, while the single one stands for bye. What is so difficult to understand there? Its straight to the point,” he said.
Nhial Bol, the Managing Editor of the Citizen newspaper said the unity and separation symbols, which were resolved after a series of debates, are simple enough for anyone to understand and reflect the historical events that have been happening between the north and south of the country.
Daniel Deng, the Executive Director of Deng Foundation, a non-profit making organization also welcomed the new referendum symbols, but urged all stakeholders to focus more on civic and voters’ education, describing it as the basic foundation a successful referendum.
South Sudan is due to hold its referendum on self-determination in January 2011. The event is widely seen as a key part of Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended over two-decades of a bloody civil war fought between north and south.
An estimated over 2.5 million people, according to the UN, are believed to have died, while over 4 million reportedly displaced.
(ST)
jur_likang_a_ likan'g
South Sudan puts out referendum symbols
The symbols for the two options are as clear as the sun in summer. All that is wanted is thorough civic education to the voters. The separation symbol clearly indicates a stop to evil and the other is acceptance to all the bitter past to continue. The Abyei should not confuse people at this time. I am surprised that upto now some people in Abyei are as confused as their grand parents on choice about their future. Now is time to enlightned information to our people to make a right choice why should his example reflect a tree for separation and an animal for unity. Please most of us do not to hear about unity because it means to think about our lost loved ones and the rest of the bitter past. The English man would have not done so if he was allowed to rule our land instead of Jallaba. Our independence would have been like the one of the other Black African countries.
tayeb M. Alhassan
South Sudan puts out referendum symbols
SIMPLY !
Think of what you are going to lose if you don’t choose the other !!
moses chol
South Sudan puts out referendum symbols
Southern Sudan referendum symbol is good; it is telling Khartoum that good bye. It is simple to understand. Now we have to explain to our people to know these symbols of separation and unity under this status quote. Unity of Sudan is too late at this time. We will talk about unity of Sudan after 50 years of South Sudan independent
James Okuk Solomon
South Sudan puts out referendum symbols
The symbols are ok but there is still something incorrect in the wording above one of the symbols; “Separation.” In the Southern Sudan Referendum Act (2009) and the CPA, it is called “Secession” not separation nor independence. It is wise to follow the law and the agreement in order to avoid any legal objection later.
Dr James Okuk