EU: Sudan referendum voting 'smooth and calm' so far

EU: Sudan referendum voting 'smooth and calm' so far

2011-01-13 22:42:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- A six-member European Parliament delegation is now in Sudan to observe the southern Sudan independence referendum, with voting taking place at the moment, the European Union (EU) said.

Delegation leader Mariya Nedelcheva confirmed that the poll - which began last Sunday and are scheduled to be carried out until Saturday - has so far been conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, but she added that ensuring that the result is respected by all parties, whatever the outcome, will be crucial.

"We hope that the peaceful atmosphere observed during the first days of the referendum in most parts of Sudan will continue throughout the whole process," said Nedelcheva. "In order to facilitate good relations between the north and southern Sudan in the future, it is important that this referendum is carried out in a credible manner."

"It is also essential to the future development of the two parts of the country, that the outcome of the referendum is respected. The north and southern Sudan are interdependent and whatever the outcome is, it will be vital to maintain open channels of dialogue and a cooperative relationship - for the sake of all the people of Sudan," Nedelcheva added.

The delegation also urged the people to be patient, adding that it will contribute to the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) preliminary statement assessing the referendum process, to be delivered at a press conference shortly after voting closes.

In addition, chief Observer Veronique De Keyser agreed that "so far, polling has been proceeding quite smoothly, in an atmosphere of peace and calm in most of the south and northern Sudan."

"The process is still ongoing and the EU EOM has not completed its observation yet - the crucial process of counting, aggregating results and processing complaints and appeals is still to come. The political, media and legal environment is also still being assessed. We urge people to be patient and allow the Sudanese referendum process to play out to its conclusion," De Keyser said.

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