Upper Nile state pledges to conduct credible referendum

November 12, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – Authorities from the southern state of Upper Nile on Friday pledged to create a conducive environment to support conduct of credible southern self-determination referendum.

Addressing a weekly cabinet meeting in the state, the governor called on both executive and the legislature together with security forces in the area to support referendum activities.

The south’s opportunity to become independent through a referendum is a key part of a 2005 peace deal between the dominant parties of north and south Sudan.

Gabriel Tut Gatchai, a security advisor for Upper Nile told Sudan Tribune on a visit to Khartoum that the state is fully committed to conducting a free and transparent referendum.

“We in the government of Upper Nile state are fully committed to the conduct of a free, fair and transparent referendum. There will be a conducive environment for the conduct of a trustworthy referendum results in the area because the exercise will be in conducted in a close coordination with international organizations,” said Tut.

The referendum will be monitored by both international monitors like the UN, Carter Center and European Union as well as Sudanese governmental and non-governmental institutions.

“I believe result of this referendum will be free and fair because United Nations Mission in Sudan and other experienced international organizations are currently playing active roles in coordination and monitoring of voter registration processes. The forces of the United Nations will also be allowed to participate in monitoring of all referendum processes with the national police and other law enforcement agents,” he said.

The official further revealed that forces of the United Nations Mission in Sudan participated in recent weapons retrieval by the police service in the area.

On Wednesday the Upper Nile Police retrieved 78 weapons, including five AK 47 assault rifles and 91 rounds of ammunition, in an operation code-named “Operation Drag Net for free and credible referendum”.

Eight imported pistols, 23 shotguns and 42 locally manufactured pistols were among the weapons found. Ammunition confiscated included 56 packets of AA and BB cartridges, 23 single rounds for AK 47 rifles and 12 single rounds for G3 rifles.

“This was a successful operation because it did not face any resistance. The citizens cooperated with security forces hence sends out clear message that our people are interested in peace and stability,” said advisor Tut.

According to the state security advisor, the AK 47 rifles were either seized from retired ex-military officers or civilians who acquired them for protection of their properties during war.

South Sudan has experienced conflict for most of the country’s independence fighting a successive of Khartoum governments over political and economic marginalization, resources (oil and water), religion and identity.

January’s referendum is expected to see the south vote to become a new independent nation.

(ST)