South Sudan’s Person of the Year: The Independence Referendum Voters

By Steve Paterno

December 18, 2011 — Early this year, the world witnessed unprecedented South Sudan’s referendum exercise, where an overwhelming of almost 99 percent voters casted their ballots for independence of South Sudan. The turnout is among the highest in the world of any major elections. More than 97 percent in total showed up to cast their ballots. The international observers who validated the voting procedures were simply astonished with the level of enthusiasm among the participations of this exercise, which is like no any other before they have seen. President of US Barack Obama sums it well, when he lauded that the “wisdom and courage” of South Sudanese people to resolve the conduct of their independence peacefully is “inspiring” to all human kind to emulate.

The South Sudanese independence referendum came as a result of 2005 agreement, which ended decades of South-North war. The referendum clause stipulated that after six years interim period, South Sudanese will be allowed self determination through a referendum vote. In order for the votes to be validated, a threshold of 60 percent turnout of registered voters is required and a simple majority vote of 50 percent plus, to confirm the outcome. Otherwise, the whole process must be exercise in futility, which would be legally voided.

The days leading up to the referendum exercise were marred by controversies and mounting threats. The regime in Khartoum, led by National Congress Party (NCP) was making the entire process much more difficult. In a tactical sabotage move, the regime clamored for other difficult conditions to be met, such as the demarcations of the borders and other contentious issues between the South and North to be agreed upon prior to the conduct of the referendum. Without which, the regime vowed it will not recognize the outcome of the referendum or else the referendum conduct must be delayed or otherwise it is even ready to resort into war. In its part, the government of South Sudan complained that the regime in the North left them with no choice, but to be compelled to have a recourse of unilateral declaration of independence, with war as the possible outcome. In the words of South Sudan President Salva Kiir, there should be no delays in the conduct of the referendum, not even by a minute, since the date for this exercise is “sacrosanct” to the people of South Sudan.

Despite all these controversies and threats, a peaceful atmosphere eventually prevailed, where almost four millions South Sudanese within Sudan and in selected countries of USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda registered and voted in timely manner, without any major huddles.

In South Sudan, with their colorful traditional best, the people danced and sang their ways into the polling centers in great numbers. Under the smoldering sun, both the old and young queued in long lines, and waited long hours in turns. Their slow pace were often interrupted by spontaneous shoutouts and chants, full with joys and excitements. There were even inspiring stories of baby referendum, as the complications of pregnancy could not stop the courageous mothers from standing long lines to cast the vote of a lifetime, which will have huge influence on generations to come.

For the people in North America, frigid snowy weather has proven not to be the obstacle to the South Sudanese people to determine their destiny. They expressed their strong will in many ways they could. Whether come rain, shine the sun, or even in the snowfall, they promised to participate on the referendum exercise. They braved the harsh January weather, driving long distances to the few selected polling centers stretched across vast North American topography. Those who fell foul to the road driving conditions, simply dusted it off, hopped into next passing vehicles and made it to vote.

Those South Sudanese in the North of Sudan, the euphemism for “lion’s den,” never showed any fear to join the rest of their compatriots in voting for freedom. Despite the intimidations, harassments, and countless acts of sabotage, they prevailed in voting booth.

The South Sudanese who voted for referendum for independence, you are indeed the persons of the year 2011, deserving great recognition in history. You finally confirmed what your ancestors long for, the cause that took millions of lives and rigged havoc for decades. You made the sacrifice for the cause more worthy. Those who sacrificed with their lives must be enjoying, wherever they are, and you must enjoy as well. This is your year and let’s hope with determinations for the best years to come.

Steve Paterno is the author of The Rev. Fr. Saturnino Lohure, A Romain Catholic Priest Turned Rebel. He can be reached at [email protected]