Spotlight on Sudan’s referendum
Who are the key players, what are main issues and what obstacles might be encountered?
The African Union (AU) says north and south Sudan have agreed on a framework to resolve most of the outstanding issues ahead of a vote on southern independence in January.
In a statement, the AU said both sides have agreed to demarcate the north-south border while allowing northern nomads to graze in the south. The framework also includes commitments to allow Sudanese citizens the right to live in either north or south Sudan.
Meanwhile, voter registration for January’s referendum has begun across the country and abroad, launching a process which could lead to the partition of Africa’s largest country. About five million southern Sudanese have been called to add their names to the electoral list between November 15 and December 1.
A referendum commission has set up almost 2,800 registration centres, with all but 165 located in the south. Southerners living in the north, estimated to number anywhere between 500,000 and two million, are entitled to vote. The United Nations has provided logistical support by transporting registration forms across both countries, especially to remote areas.
On this episode of Inside Story we ask what obstacles the upcoming referendum may face and who the key players are.
This episode of Inside Story aired on Monday, November 15, 2010.