Voter registration underway in Jonglei despite poor road network

November 15, 2010 (BOR) – Voter registration in Jonglei state ahead of south Sudan’s self determination referendum in January 2011 despite preparations being hampered by poor roads and flooding.

The registration process is underway in all but one of the registration centers in the state after some materials in Pibor county were mistakenly transported to Boma, the state high committee (SHC) said on Monday.

“We are happy to announce that Jonglei state is [more] prepared than expected,” Reuben Garang Yuol, the chairperson of Jonglei SHC for referendum told reporters on Monday in Bor town, the state capital.

First to be registered at Bor secondary school was Jonglei state governor Kuol Manyang Juuk who expressed his happiness at attaining this step of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed between former rebels the SPLM and Sudan’s ruling party in 2005.

“This is a historical moment in our country,” governor Juuk told the press shortly after registered to vote in the referendum that most observers believe will see the south separate from the north.

“We have to register to decide for unity or separation [of the Sudan] through peaceful means,” he added attracting ululations from long queues of people wishing to have their names on book on the first day of registration.

The self-determination right was afforded by the 2005 peace accord signed between the National Congress Party (NCP) and Sudan people Liberation Movement (SPLM) following two decades civil war that started in Bor on 16 May 1983.

Lack of road access meant that some materials were airlifted by the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) airlifted to distanced registration centers.

There are 314 voter registration centers in Jonglei state and 10 are located in Bor town. Visiting all the centers in the town, Jonglei state governor Juuk told the population to remain peaceful throughout
the whole process and observe order.

He warned local chiefs who are assisting the three referendum registration officials to ensure that only citizens over 18 are allowed to register.

Registration centers are being monitored by domestic and international observers. Police are also present to provide security.

(ST)