The Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) described the South Sudan referendum on self-determination as free, fair and transparent.
Yusuf Nzibo, IGAD observation team leader, told the press today in Juba that the referendum was free, fair and credible regardless of the size of south Sudan and its rate of illiteracy and poor infrastructure.He added the process was clear evidence that south Sudan has the capacity to conduct highly professional elections and referendum that meet international standards.
Mr. Nzibo commended the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission for successfully achieving its task.
He added that there were no anomalies in the voters’ roll and no voter turned away on alleged missing names.
The African Union issued its preliminary statement describing the referendum as free, fair and credible, and a true reflection of the democratically expressed will of the people of Southern Sudan.