Sudan: Local Observers Present Voter Registration Report

Sudan: Local Observers Present Voter Registration Report

A domestic observers group in Sudan has released its findings on the voter registration exercise that concluded last Wednesday.

Sudanese Network for Democratic Elections (SuNDE) and Sudanese Group for Democracy and observed the voter registration exercise in the South and in the North.

The group, on Monday presented a comparative report on the registration exercise in both regions to newsmen in Juba .

SuNDE Coordinator Edmond Yakani said no incidents of violence were recorded in referendum centers.

Mr. Yakani said that there was some confusion over voter eligibility and identity in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Blue Nile states while there was intimidation in the North.

He noted that the extension of the voter registration period contributed to an increase in the final turnout.

SuNDE Executive Director, Moses Monday, urged the Referendum Commission and Bureau to cooperate with domestic observers and provide accreditations well in time before the polling days.

Meanwhile referendum officials said over 420 thousand citizens have registered their names in Central Equatoria's referendum books to vote for south Sudan self-determination.

Manase Lomole Waya, the Chairman of the Referendum High Committee in Central Equatoria state said that number of people would be expected to vote in the upcoming referendum.

Mr. Lomole advised on the registered citizens to keep their voting cards safe in order to participate in the plebiscite.

In a related development, 20 members of the East African Community (EAC)legislative assembly, were in Juba to show their support for south Sudan 's independence ahead of the 2011 self-determination referendum.

Augustine Lotodo, a Kenyan member of the EAC Legislative Assembly, said that the delegation was in Juba to give moral support and encourage the people of south Sudan to vote for separation.

Mr. Lotodo said he believed that separation would bring peace and respect between the north and south Sudan and create a good environment for the development of south Sudan .

Mr. Mugisha Muntu, a Ugandan prominent politician and a member of the EAC Legislative Assembly, said that South Sudan could learn from the independence processes of other African nations and avoid the mistakes they made.

Mr. Muntu said South Sudan was viable as an independent nation.

SCNR/Yinka