A civil society leader criticized the international and local media for tarnishing the image of Southern Sudan while covering referendum preparations.
Henry Taban chairs the National NGO Forum Steering Committee. He told SCR News that the media reports tend to represent South Sudan as unprepared for the referendum due to tribalism, violence and hostility to foreigners.Mr. Taban said the reports give the negative impression that the referendum would not be conducted in a proper atmosphere.
Mr. Taban appealed to southerners to ensure the referendum was free and fair to awash misconceptions that an independent Southern Sudan would be a failed state.
He added that people should choose freely their destiny and their vote be respected.
Mr. Taban made these statements during the launch of the voter registration exercise today in Juba.