The European Union Observation Mission to South Sudan referendum dispatched today 32 long-term observers to the ten states of south Sudan and eight states in the north.
Niall McCann, EU deputy chief observer, told the press that the 32 observers would be joined by another 34 short term monitors plus seven members of the EU Parliament and EU diplomats accredited in the Sudan.Mr McCann said the EU mission will have over 100 observers in the country.
Mr McCann added that the mission will monitor if the vote on self-determination is in line with national laws and international standards.
He noted that the mission will provide comprehensive analysis of the referendum from beginning to the end.
Mr McCann explained that the observers will assess the logistical and technical aspects of the referendum together with the officials’ transparency.
He added that that treatment of the women and minorities will be under observation as well.
The EU was invited by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission to observe the referendum process in the country and the advanced party arrived in November to observe the registration process.