The UN Panel praised the way the referendum was organized and conducted saying it sets an example for the whole of Africa.
Antonio Monteiro is a member of the UN panel on the Referenda in the Sudan. He told SCR News that the UN was very pleased with the way the referendum was organized.
He added the vote was orderly, peaceful, disciplined and praised the authorities for their professionalism and competence.
Mr. Monteiro praised also the polling officials for their extraordinary work despite the huge difficulties they had to face.
Mr. Monteiro added he expected the referendum authorities to conduct the counting and adding of votes with the same professionalism and that the results to be ready by the first week of February.
Mr. Monteiro, a former Portuguese Foreign Minister, is a member of the UN Panel together with former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mikaba, who heads it, and Bhojraj Pokharel, who chaired Nepal’s Electoral Commission.