Jonglei state assembly reopens ahead of referendum

December 14, 2010 (BOR) – Jonglei State Legislative Assembly reopened today after a three month parliamentary holiday ahead of the region independence referendum early next year.

The assembly has pledged to campaign for a high turn-out during South Sudan‘s self-determination in January. A 60% turn-out of registered voters is needed under referendum law for the plebsicte to be valid.

Voter registration ended on December 8, with over three million southern Sudanese registering for the poll, which most observers predict will see the south secede from the north.

Both the executive and legislative organ of Jonglei state pledged to work closely in securing the volatile areas of the state in the countdown to the vote. Despite a 2005 peace deal that gave the south the right to secede Jonglei has seen continued violence between different ethnic groups.

Peter Chol Wal, the speaker of Jonglei State legislative Assembly said that he was in favor of a vote for separation.

“This is a crucial time that mark last journey of struggle of years of war,” he said adding that “it’s our duty and responsibility to decide our future either to become a first class citizen of remain salves
forever.”

As well as the 2011 referendum the state assembly is also considering the 2010 state budget, which has not been passed despite the year ending in just over two weeks.

“It is important that the budget is passed in order for [the] 2011 budget to be tabled,” said Chol, when Sudan Tribune asked him to explain the significance of debating the 2010 budget so belatedly.

The speaker said that child abduction and cattle raiding were becoming more irregular in the state due to a policy of sending members of state assembly to their counties to educate the masses about peace and reconciliation.

Speaking at the opening, Jonglei state governor Kuol Manyang Juuk, argued that lawmakers should continue working closing with his cabinet to meet the urgent needs of the people in the state.

(ST)