The United Nations Panel on the Referenda in Sudan said the two votes on self-determination for Southern Sudan and Abyei could still take place on time by January 9, 2011.
However, the panel added the referenda could be held on time only if the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) immediately step up their efforts to ensure there is a credible vote.The three members of the panel were in Khartoum and Juba during a five-day visit, and met with President Omar al-Bashir, GoSS President Salva Kiir Mayardit and senior officials from both governments, and members of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission and Bureau.
The Chairman of the panel and former president of Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa, said he welcomed the assurances given by the NCP and SPLM of their commitment to the referenda process.
Mr. Mkapa added that he was deeply concerned about the lack of progress on several fronts, less than three months before Southerners vote, especially regarding Abyei, where a referendum commission is yet to be formed.
He also encouraged both governments to free funds to alllow the refenda commissions and bureaus to do their work.