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Referendum: Arab League observers complain of under-age voters

By Julius N. Uma

January 17, 2010 (JUBA) – Members from the League of Arab States’ (LAS) mission involved in monitoring Southern Sudan’s self-determination referendum said they noticed the presence of some under-age voters at polling centers during the week-long exercise.

An under-age voter, according to regulations set out by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, is anyone below 18 years.

“Despite the good organization of the referendum process and its smooth functioning, our mission observed some drawbacks in the conduct of the referendum process,” the LAS mission said in a statement, while adding that some voters were under-age.

Also cited, according to the LAS observers, were alleged discrepancies between the number enrolled in some centers and the number registered on the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission list, as well as absence of voters’ lists in some polling centers within Southern Sudan.

On this, the mission said, “In spite of these negative aspects, the Arab League mission to monitor the referendum confirms that these drawbacks do not affect the veracity of the process which was characterized by a high degree of transparency and integrity in line with international standards; eliciting respect for the outcomes produced by the ballot boxes.”

Meanwhile, the Arab League urged all the concerned national, regional and international parties to work collectively to achieve security, stability, and peace, based on the principles of brotherhood, equality and justice in all parts of Sudan.

Overall, the Arab League Mission, headed by Amre Mousa, its Secretary General deployed a total of 80 observers, distributed in 18 states of the country, including the 11 states in the north and seven in the south.

Various observer groups, including the African Union and European Union have widely expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the referendum both in the country and in the Diaspora.

Former US president, Jimmy Carter, whose Carter Center deployed the largest team of observers said the referendum was conducted in full compliance with internationally-agreed standards and principles.

His statement has since been re-echoed by his counterparts from the European Union, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), African Union mission, among others.

(ST)

16 Comments

  • the landlord
    the landlord

    Referendum: Arab League observers complain of under-age voters
    Arab League observers complain of under-age voters
    lets them go to hell with their concrence
    shame on them.

    Reply
  • Bol Bol
    Bol Bol

    Referendum: Arab League observers complain of under-age voters
    The ruthless regime of Albashir didn’t differentiate between those above age 18 and the so-called underage during their campaign to completely wipe southerners out of South. In fact, most of victims were underage. Where were the Arab League then??

    Reply
  • Bol Deng
    Bol Deng

    Referendum: Arab League observers complain of under-age voters
    Dear Arab Nation,

    You have been planting unpleasant atmosphere in Sudan for many years by providing weapons to the North Sudan against the South because you conceived the Sudan problems as a religious war( Jihad).

    which criteria were you using to judge the age of South Sudanese during the vote? And why not you stop them at the time when they were registering if you think so. Your flimsy arguments try to ignit the fire because of your frustration.

    There is no underage who had registered in the South other the population would have not just be about 4 millions.

    We have been monitoring the colors of Arab world since the CPA was signed. They want fake unity but we South Sudanese solved it in a right way. Please, just talk about your North Arab and leave us alone.
    We South Sudanese are not Arab!

    Reply
  • 1988
    1988

    Referendum: Arab League observers complain of under-age voters
    Settle your own problems before you settle the problems of others, how many arab league leaders have under age wives. hypocrites

    Reply
  • Ito
    Ito

    Referendum: Arab League observers complain of under-age voters
    Brothers and sisters,

    I must agree to disagree with statement uttered by observers from the arab league. I am one of the staff working with SSRC and I have not come across such thing. There are procedures to be followed. You must be 18 on day of registration to register. And also the other thing is that, how come the other observers like those from the EU and those from carter’s centre don’t see the same under age registration? Is n’t it funny that it is only being observed by the group from the arab league? And if so when do they not bring it forward so that it can be seen by other observers?

    Besides, I know that arabs are not happy with the idea of separation. your position is widely known and don’t try to pretend to be true observers while you are not neutral in your hearts and minds. You are one sided. Remember you are there because the provisions allows every observer whether it be local or international to be there to make sure that no one complains about the credibility of the process.

    So please i strongly urge your league to stay away if you have nothing to say.
    thanks

    Reply
  • Dinka-Defender-General
    Dinka-Defender-General

    Referendum: Arab League observers complain of under-age voters
    Well, our enemy observers.These are orphans left behind when your brothers brainwashed Arabs in Northern Sudan took their father lives. What are you complaining about? Remember, when you used to send money to Northern Sudan to killed Southerners. They had done their duty. They killed off most Southerners, Sudan and orphans are left to represented their fathers. Their fathers are among two millions Southerners killed by your brothers. You should learn our history first before you become observers. Nine percent Arabs are our enemies because they used to send their money to Northern Sudan to killed us. Therefore, you need to stop complaining. If you don’t like what you saw during voting time, than you should pick up your guns or deny our independent when it comes and we will show you how it’s done. El Bashir didn’t sign peace of no reason. Fire was severed and he couldn’t handle it. We will invade other Arab countries this time around if you make a mistake and we will not be peaceful similar to the last war. This war will be fought in the backyard of (Khartoum)terrorists headquarter. Here you having and see you in the field.

    Reply
  • Joseph
    Joseph

    Referendum: Arab League observers complain of under-age voters
    Omoni kwete consumer
    You dislike “DINKA” on the internet but you kneel when you see them physically.
    Why are you eating head and fear eyes always? Dinkas will be on you neck until end of your live.

    Reply
  • Baring
    Baring

    Referendum: Arab League observers complain of under-age voters
    Steven

    You have to know that your statement is creating a bad heater among Southerner. Denka is just like Arab dog that is why they call them Jeank which is means slave for white man and Arab. South Sudan is blong to all of us not only for a corrupted tribe like Denka

    Reply
  • mack waweru
    mack waweru

    Referendum: Arab League observers complain of under-age voters
    Arabs always doubt everything associated with truth, even death. If the NCP could laud and confirm the credibility of the referendum, who else can refute?
    Mind Arab countries affairs and leave us as God Wants it.

    Mack

    Reply
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