Vulnerable persons were given special treatment on the first day of polling as was recommended during civic education campaigns in Lakes State.
Jacob Laat Machol is the head of Achol Theen Polling station in Rumbek Central County. He told Good News Radio that queuing voters respected vulnerable people, including pregnant women, those breastfeeding, the aged and the disabled, by giving them a chance to vote first.
Mr. Laat acknowledged the cooperation of the voters saying there was an amicable spirit among those lining up to vote.
He also said that some voters arrived at the polling station as early as 4 AM, some four hours ahead of the official balloting time, while the officials reported at 7 AM.
The claims of Laat were confirmed by Aboma Isaac Daniel, a pregnant widow.
Speaking after casting her vote at Achol Theen Centre, Ms. Aboma confirmed that the voters lining up to vote and the polling officers “are giving priority to breastfeeding and pregnant women”.
She also said that the day means a lot to her, recalling that the civil war claimed her husband. She also recalled the different countries she has been as a refugee, among them, Egypt and Kenya.
Ms. Aboma expressed confidence that the referendum will result in the birth of a new nation.
The first day of voting has been characterized by enthusiasm on the part of voters, many polling centres in Lakes State reporting an impressive turnout.