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.
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)