Jonglei citizens celebrate as referendum voting begins

By Thon Philip Aleu

January 9, 2011 (BOR) – Long queues of people took to polling centers early on Sunday to take positions and be among the first to cast their votes in a referendum agreed in the 2005 peace accord that ended two decades of north-south Sudan conflict.

In Bor, the capital of Jonglei state, drums were beaten, bells rang and women responded by yelling at midnight to welcome the day voting began. The dramatic mid-night noise surprised children and dogs were scared and reacted by barking as the south Sudan’s decision making day becomes a reality.

Jonglei state governor Kuol Manyang Juuk, who cast his vote at Bor secondary school, popularly known as Malek SS, expressed his joy at a news conference.

“I am very happy [that] our people are to express their will and liberty,” said governor Kuol as massive crowds cheered and waved one hand as a sign that ironically calls for secession.

Voting will run from January 9 through to January 15, 2011 with southern Sudanese voters choosing between remaining in a united Sudan or separating from the north.

Various opinion polls indicate that southerners will vote for secession. A 60% voter turnout is required of the 3.9 million registered southerners for the exercise to be valid according to Southern Sudan Referendum Act. At least 50% plus one of the votes cast must vote for either unity or secession for there to be a result.

Turnout for the poll in Jonglei state appears to be high.

“I came here at 4am,” said Akuei Kur at Maror polling center northern Bor town. “I wanted to make history; to be among the top ten [people to vote],” he added standing ninth in the queue.

The number of breastfeeding women, elderly and disabled people were so many that polling staffs started a separate queue for the needy group. Chairs, water containers and mats were provided as voters waited in long lines.

Scenes of jubilation ensued at various centers located in Bor town as governor Kuol toured the locations to remain patient and tolerant throughout the polling days.

The State High Committee (SHC) in Bor says that all polling centers opened on time and all materials were received in advance unlike the voter registration process when flood and heavy rains delayed delivery of some equipment.

“Everything is completed and voting will continue well,” said John Boloc, the public outreach officer for Jonglei SHC told Sudan Tribune early on Sunday.

The referendum vote was agreed in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed by Khartoum government and former southern rebels the SPLM.

Jonglei state governor Kuol congratulated Sudan’s leaders for their commitment for implementing the agreement.

“I thank First Vice [President] of the republic and President of the government of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir and President Bashir for having implemented the CPA [to-date]. God keep them alive,” said Kuol.

At polling centers, both international and domestic observers are present. Police in the newly introduced blue uniform have helped polling staff to keep order.

(ST)