Referendum material reaches Sudan’s Jonglei state

December 30, 2010 (BOR) – The ballot papers and other items needed for next month’s referendum on South Sudan’s independence have reached most centers in Jonglei state, officials say.

The voting packages were flown to the state capital of Bor last week and are scheduled arrive to 11 counties’ headquarters by Friday according to John Boloc, a public outreach officer for State High Committee (SHC) for referendum
in a briefing to Sudan Tribune today.

“I think transportation will not be a problem this time in many counties of Jonglei state,” said Boloc when asked to speak about obstacles facing the SHC.

Last month’s voter registration was marred by delays and interruptions in Jonglei state due to floods that made roads inaccessible. At the end of registration period on December 8, the SHC, nevertheless, declared the exercise as a success. Over 430,000 people are expected to vote having registered in Jonglei state.

In Duk, Nyirol and Fangak counties, some swampy areas may not be reachable by car till after January 9 and local officials will transport the materials using traditional ways, Boloc noted.

“By tomorrow [Friday], both sensitive and non-sensitive materials shall have reached headquarters of all the 11 counties,“ said Boloc. Pigi county, where Gen. George Athor Deng, who rebelled after losing April Jonglei state governorship elections is also expected to vote smoothly.

Each county has a car that will help to lift the staffs and voter’s materials to all centers by January 6 or 72 hours to polling day, SHC said.

In a referendum related development, polling staff are due to begin a training on how to handle voters on Sunday January 2.

The Southern Sudan referendum is a result of 2005 peace accord that ended two decades of north—south civil war. Southerners will choose to vote for either unity or separation of African’s largest country. Observers say the secession is the likely option.

(ST)