Head of referendum subsidiary body in Lakes State optimistic about voter-registration

By Manyang Mayom

November 19, 2010 (RUMBEK) – The Chairman of the Referendum High Committee in Lakes State, Mabor Makuei, expressed optimism on Thursday about the ongoing process of voter-registration for south Sudan’s vote on independence despite challenges encountered, urging members of the local community to exercise their civic right by registering.

Mabor, whose committee is the provincial subsidiary body of Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC), said that “the registration exercise started well in virtually all the Registration Centers of Lakes State.”

The number of registration centers in Lakes State has been hiked from 214 to 215 after several counties demanded extra centers.

In another vein, the referendum official announced that his office had received 30 satellite phones to be given to registration officers in centers located in remote areas, adding that such equipments would solve communication difficulties.

Mabor cited figures of the number of voters who registered voters during the first two days in certain counties, including Cueibet, Rumbek North and Rumbek East. He further said that figures were indicating a daily increase in voter turnout.

Some registrants in Rumbek have complained about lack of voter-awareness, blaming it for low turnout and urging media outreach campaigns to educate voters in rural areas.

The registration of voters for the coming vote on south Sudan secession from the north started domestically and abroad on 15 November amid reports of high turnout. The exercise is due to end on December 01.

The plebiscite, which is set to take place in January 2011, will determine whether south Sudan will stay united with the north or secede to form an independent state. Southern Sudanese are expected to vote overwhelmingly for secession.

(ST)