Pride as southern Sudanese vote in ‘historic’ poll

After years of civil war with the north, the people of southern Sudan have been voting in large numbers in a landmark referendum that is expected to bring independence.

Long queues built up at polling stations before dawn in the southern capital Juba.

Voting has been made simple as illiteracy is widespread. It was said to be well organised with many people proud to be taking part.

“I want to be part of making the history of this country because I commit myself to create a new nation peacefully,” said one man in the queue to cast his ballot.

A woman added: “We were in slavery and today we are free and we are thankful for this freedom.”

In the Sudanese capital Khartoum and the rest of the north, there has been resentment at the potential loss of the south – and its oil. The disputed central Abyei region is just one unresolved issue.

But our correspondent in Juba, Mohamed Elhamy, says people in the south agree it is an historic day, be they officials or ordinary citizens.

The south Sudanese leader Salva Kiir cast the first vote at 8am and urged those queueing to be patient.

The poll was agreed in a peace deal that ended the long war. Its importance was underlined by international visitors such as actor George Clooney.

“What we are most excited about today is watching people vote for their freedom after all these years, and it is an exciting thing to see. It is not often in your life you get to see a country gain its independence,” said the Hollywood star.

While the north is mainly Muslim, most people in the south follow Christianity and traditional beliefs.

Sudanese President al-Bashir campaigned for unity but has since shown signs he might accept a southern breakaway.

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