Domestic observer group commends referendum bodies, denounces acts of violence

By Julius N. Uma

November 22, 2010 (JUBA) – A reputable domestic observer group has commended Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC) and the Southern Sudan-based referendum bureau for ensuring timely commencement of the long-awaited voter registration exercise.

Registration, which kicked off a week ago and ends on December 1, is a key process for the January 2011 referendum on the possible independence of south Sudan, which is a requirement within the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

In a press release sent to Sudan Tribune, Sudan Domestic Election Monitoring and Observation Programme (SuDEMOP), acknowledges the challenges being faced by the referendum administration but overall praised what they described as the cooperation and coordination exhibited by the bureau at the start of voters’ registration.

“We further urge the SSRB [Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau] to expedite the accreditation process for national observer groups. SuDEMOP trusts that the SSRB will address these issues in a prompt fashion,” the November 21 press release, signed by SUDEMOP’s Lorna Merekaje says.

All the specialized observers, according to the southern-based domestic observer group, have not reported major incidents of violence or security lapses during the first week of registration, with the notable exception of the aerial bombing that occurred in Aweil North by the Sudanese Airforce chasing Darfur rebels in South Sudan.

NO TO ACTS OF VIOLENCE

The organization maintains that the isolated incident has had negligible impact on the registration process, although it strongly denounced any acts of violence likely to hinder preparation for the referendum.

“SuDEMOP denounces any act of violence or that which may cause hindrance to Southern Sudanese in expressing their democratic right to self-determination,” the press release further reads.

Members of the domestic observer entity urged the international community, guarantors of CPA, and concerned authorities to issue stern warnings against any actions that may be perceived as provocation.

Although the organization cited logistical and communication difficulties, which reportedly limits field observers from collecting detailed information on the ongoing registration process, it appealed to other organizations involved in voter education to double their efforts and reach residents in rural areas.

Complaints received by the SSRB indicate that some eligible voters in Nimule and Torit, the provincial capital of Eastern Equaoria state, had boycotted registration process.

Meanwhile, a total of 364 voter registration observers (VROs) and 142 long term observers (LTOs) were deployed by SuDEMOP in all the ten states of Southern Sudan, prior to the commencement of voter’s registration on November 15.

A legally registered entity with a recognized network of over 47 independent and non-partisan civil society organizations, SuDEMOP strives to create an avenue for the promotion of democracy in Sudan.

(ST)