UN panel says credible referendum can be held on time
December 23, 2010 (JUBA) — The head of United Nations panel on the Southern Sudan referendum, Benjamin Mkapa, called today to hold the historic vote on time saying no reason to delay it.
In less than three weeks over three million Southerners are going to cast their vote from 9 to 15 January on whether they want to remain part of the current Sudan or establish their own state. The vote in favor of the independence is expected to win as the SPLM joined officially calls for secession.
However, uncertainties remain on whether the vote will take place or not. Sudan’s constitutional court has to rule several lawsuits challenging the validity of the referendum process.
“We call on all sides to play their part to ensure that the vote can take place on 9 January as scheduled,” said the former Tanzanian President in a press briefing held in Juba concluding a five-day visit to Sudan.
“We believe that a credible referendum can take place” Mkapa said after repeating his initial statements made in after his arrival to Khartoum that “voter registration was largely peaceful, orderly and transparent”.
Asked about court cases, head of the referendum panel expressed hope that “the courts will settle these cases as urgently as possible so that work can go on,” he said
He further reaffirmed his respect for the independence of the Sudanese courts adding “But I hope they’re not disengaged from the rest of society, social as well as political”.
According to the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau (SSRB) officials some 3,275,577 people, representing 96% of eligible voters have registered in Southern Sudan in order to take part in the historical vote on the independence of the semi-autonomous region next January.
The chair of the international panel, however, highlighted three steps described as important to ensure the success of the referendum: voter participation, delay of funds and transparency.
Eligible voters should be aware they have to take part in the referendum despite the fact that many of them living in remote areas. The Sudanese government has to release the pending funds to pay in time logistics and salaries of referendum workers, said Mkapa.
He also stressed that transparency in the way vote are counted and the results are tabulated is vital for the success of the process.
(ST)
Peter Mading
UN panel says credible referendum can be held on time
Congratulation Benjamin.
Tanzania is a combination of two regions Tanganyika and Zanzibar has a very good historic background- The magic water power originated from the man called kinjatille. South Sudanese must hold a creible referendum. Three million must cast their vote and it obviousely in favor for independant. Independant of the South is what North (NCP) backup up the court in what they call lawsuit against the referendum commission. Referendum must not be delayed. The cause of excuses does not belong to the SPLM. This court is actually an obstacle to the referendum because it is backup by NCP so there are chances for being politically influenced and they will not do a good job.
For Southners it is clear that the three million who registered are counted to have voted for sucession. Seperation Oyeee. An other good indication to show that the South is in favor of Separation is the repatriation of South Sudanese from the North.
You have highlighted three steps and these steps are very good. By the end of the voting the South Sudanese wants to see the results posted within the polling stations where they have casted their votes. Transparancy is dearly needed in this regards. Southners do not want NCP to alter their choice. Keep it up Mkapa.