Northern Bahr el Ghazal trains 1448 polling officers

By Ngor Arol Garang

January 4, 2011 (ABYEI) — Referendum officials from southern state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal on Tuesday said completed training for 1448 polling officials and preparations for upcoming referenda on self-determination for South Sudan.

Reverend Wol Kuot, chairperson of the five member referendum high committee in Aweil town, capital of Northern Bahr el Ghazal told Sudan Tribune they have completed all arrangements and activities leading to Sunday’s vote.

“We are prepared to organize the vote as per schedule. There is nothing left for us apart from funds to pay the polling officials but they have shown willingness to organize the vote with or without money,” said reverend Wol.

He said distribution of ballot papers is at completion stage and that the vote would go ahead as planned despite few challenges. “The challenges we have cannot stop voting from being carried out. The voting will still go ahead exactly on January 9th because all the arrangements are completed”.

“We have completed training for 1448 polling officers and started deploying them to their respected centers. Ballot papers have received and are currently at the county headquarters being distributed to their centers,” explained Wol.

Wol, a top member of the referendum commission in the state, also dismissed fears emanating from allegations that the poll would not be conducted in the area due to logistics and insecurity.

“There is nothing to fear. Our people who have registered should come out vote. There is no insecurity. The aerial bombardment which occurred during voter registration process at Kiir Adem has been addressed,” he said.

He called on prospective voters to turn out in huge numbers to vote on Sunday. This was what used to tell people that once you have registered you must vote, said reverend Wol

The official also said do not have any logistical issues that would hold conduct of the referendum in the area.

“So far, we do not have any logistical problem. We have means of transport. There are transports to facilitate movement of the voting materials and the staff

The state government is also cooperating with us very well. The governor has always been helpful in proving us with transport and security,” explained Wol.

(ST)