Friday, March 29, 2024

Sudan Tribune

Plural news and views on Sudan

South Sudan leader optimistic on referendum law, will visit Darfur

August 12, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese First Vice President and President of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit expressed hope that an agreement over the referendum bill will soon be reached.

Sudan vice-president and leader of the semi-autonomous region of South Sudan, Salva Kiir (AFP)
Sudan vice-president and leader of the semi-autonomous region of South Sudan, Salva Kiir (AFP)
The dominant National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) are deadlocked on a crucial bill that sets outs the modalities for the 2011 referendum in South Sudan.

The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) stipulates that a referendum is to be held in 2011 by which Southern Sudanese will vote to decide on whether they want to have their own state or remain part of united Sudan.

The NCP have asserted in the past that they are guided by their interpretation of the CPA which is to make secession a difficult option through the law.

Among the key sticking points is the percentage of votes required in the referendum to declare it favoring independence, the population allowed to vote, determining the post-referendum process and the share of Sudan’s debts the South would carry with it if it secedes.

The NCP is pushing for a 75% ‘Yes’ vote for South Sudan to be allowed to secede, something the SPLM rejects.

Furthermore, the SPLM rejects the participation of Southerners living outside the South in the referendum

But Kiir speaking from the Blue Nile State today said that both parties will overcome their differences and approve a draft bill of the referendum law.

This week Kiir disclosed that an unspecified US official hinted to him that the postponement of the 2011 referendum might be needed but said that he rejected any such proposal.

The SPLM chief inaugurated a number of development projects in the region and called for unity among the people and dismissing the possibility of any return to war between the North and South.

Separately, the SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum announced yesterday that Kiir will visit the three states of Darfur region in December for the first time since he assumed office.

(ST)

17 Comments

  • Lokorai
    Lokorai

    South Sudan leader optimistic on referendum law, will visit Darfur
    Thanks Mr. President,

    You got to keep off this mad politician (Amum) from messing you up; he has his own agenda and if you aren’t careful, you will kiss the ground…

    Sudan needs you in Khartoum and by being there you will silence those negative voices that are meant to spoil the partnership with the NCP. We need that party and they need us.

    A leader has to be optimistic and that is great!

    Lokorai

    Reply
  • da vinci the great
    da vinci the great

    South Sudan leader optimistic on referendum law, will visit Darfur
    A leader who is optimistic to steal, this is just another way of stealing poor southerners’ money.
    Salva Killer is a rapist he is behind all the raping cases in south.
    Both Dinkas and Arabs are the same we don’t see any difference.

    The glory of God is upon da Vinci the Great

    Reply
  • Benjamin Anyar Mabior
    Benjamin Anyar Mabior

    South Sudan leader optimistic on referendum law, will visit Darfur
    Hi, Your excellency, President Mayardit.
    We will never laid you down since you have the vision of your citzens and the Country as well.Hence, do any thing posible for us and we will support your foot step.

    Reply
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.