Yei Referendum official: Concerned

The Chairman of the Southern Sudan Referendum Sub Committee in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, Ndole Ndoromo Kumama, has expressed concern over the general reduction of referendum centres and the number of staff for voter registration due to begin on Sunday, November 14.

Speaking to Sudanvotes in an interview, Ndole Ndoromo said centres in the County had been reduced by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission from 94 to 56, based on the disputed 2008 census results and April 2010 voters’ register. Ndole Ndoromo called this illogical”: Unlike for the general elections, when few people turned up for registration and voting, many Southern Sudanese living outside the country are expected to return home to take part in the referendum. 

Complicated terminology:
The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission is based in Khartoum. The Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau is based in Juba. In addition there are State Referendum High Committees at State level and Southern Sudan Referendum Sub Committees at County level (e.g Yei). 

He observed that human settlement in many parts of Southern Sudan was scattered due to environmental factors such as water sources and fertile lands. The decision to reduce the number of centres would require many voters to travel long distances to register and vote. Women and elderly persons would be the most affected. Ndoromo added that the reduction was also bound to increase the number of voters at 56 remaining centres and overwhelm the only three registration staff members proposed for each centre.

Lack of staff, facilities, and funds

Sub committee officials had raised the issue with the Chairperson of the Southern Sudan Referendum High Committee in Central Equatoria State, Alfred Lokuji, and suggested that the staff be increased to at least five individuals per centre. He further criticised the delayed release of funds to facilitate referendum activities. Although some vehicles had been provided for the referendum, they lacked fuel and lubricants to deliver materials to the various centers. Lack of communication facilities like Thuraya satellite phones in areas without proper telecommunication networks present a further challenge for coordinating activities. 

Sources at the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission say the body is lacking funds due to unfulfilled pledges by the international community for the 2011 polls. The Commission  Chairman recently told the media that they had received just US$ 100.000 from the international donor community, which had already been spent on office equipment and furniture. At the same time, the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) has launched a drive to mobilize resources, especially cash, through many ways including deductions and contributions from monthly remunerations of civil servants in all ministries.

Despite these challenges, Ndole Ndoromo was optimistic the referendum would be conducted peacefully due to the zeal, sacrifice and commitment exhibited by the people to ensure the success of the crucial voting process.