Press release

For Immediate release

April 31, 2009

South Sudan Machar told UN to conduct a mock election at local government level to prepare for general election.

Dr.Riek Machar and UN’s representative SPLM Office

The Vice President of the Government of Southern Sudan Dr. Riek Machar discussed the upcoming election in Sudan with UN Officials just after arriving at Khartoum’s International Airport from Juba Wednesday evening.

At his SPLM’s office in Khartoum, Dr. Machar who is the Deputy Chairman of SPLM discussed practical ways the local government and general elections will be conducted in next year elections. Time is running out he said. There is no enough time between now and February next year. Much is needed to be done in Southern Sudan to prepare general public for election. Dr. Machar said, the UN can even

conduct a mock election to assess the problem before real election take place. Last time Southern Sudanese participated in a democratic election was in 1964, exactly 45 years ago. Sudan is a vast land with population scatter everywhere to reach them is a daunting task. A campaign to educate voters should take place as soon as possible. Dr. Machar said.

However, unless borders are demarcated, and census result is accepted by the two parties, the UN cannot help. Hence, if it isn’t the squabbling between the NCP and SPLM on north-south border, demarcation, and census result, UN can apply methods used in other countries such as East Timor and Afghanistan to settle census on a round table. Members of United Nation official who will take part in organizing and training personnel for upcoming election are still concerns until NCP and SPLM cleared the dark political clouds hovering above.

Dr. Machar and the UN representative also discussed the law of referendum. The Vice President told UN members that, the SPLM drafted a law for Southern Sudan referendum and presented to the NCP. And the position taken by the NCP surprises us he said. The NCP wants to discuss post referendum issues something SPLM vehemently refused saying post referendum was covered by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The Southern Sudan referendum, Abyei referendum, and popular consultations referendum all will take place in 20011 and the law of these referendums must be agreed long before that time arrives. The Vice President will meet with NCP Tah sometime on Thursday. He will heads for Wau May 4, 2009 for 26 governors’ forum.

Miyong G. Kuon (Khartoum)

A/Director of Communication and Press

OVP GOSS

(249) 910775653 /249 129078487

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