International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Southern Sudan Referendum OCRV Country Coordinator, USA

 Dear Andrew Cramer,

 Sudan will soon be facing one of the most critical moments in its history. On January 9, 2011 Southern Sudanese will exercise their right to self-determination through a Referendum, thus fulfilling the final stage of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

 We view participation in the Referendum process as critical to all Sudanese, regardless of their eligibility to vote. We acknowledge the enormous task before the Referendum Commission in registering Southern Sudanese people living in the diaspora and the numerous preparations leading up to the voting process. The Sudanese American Young Adult Project and friends hope to contribute to the referendum process in a number of ways, including voter education, logistics (e.g. registering voters and monitoring the election) and voter mobilization. We have identified a number of questions that we hope you will provide us answers for. In order to constructively engage in this historic event, we, as active members of the diaspora, would like to know the following: 

 * What are the specific documents required for registering and/or voting in the upcoming referendum?

 * What are the criteria for being formally registered as a civil society organization, eligible to assist in organizing and officially observing the South Sudan Referendum?

 * Which cities, other than Washington DC, will have registration and voting centers in the US? Is there information available on the statistics of Southern Sudanese people around the US? Will consulates have the ability to serve as polling and registration centers?

 * In regards to the registration and voting centers, what are their specific hours of operation and addresses? We would also like to request copies of the registration card and voting ballot. These will be included in information kits that will let people know how to register and vote ahead of time.

 * What kind of information and resources are available to potential voters and to civil society organizations for distribution? What kind of feedback can civil society organizations make available to IOM? 

 SAYAP is willing to assist with any aspect of the Referendum process. Our Referendum engagement strategy is as follows:

* Disseminating the logistical voting information to eligible voters in our network

* Facilitating the transportation of eligible voters to polling centers

* Providing volunteers to help in the observation process

* Helping staff and facilitate the process, if more registration/voting centers are opened  

I (the signatory of this petition) support SAYAP's efforts in trying to receive responses to these questions. The information provided by the IOM would also strengthen my effort and engagement in the upcoming referendum.  Thank you for your time and consideration in reading this letter. We look forward to your response.

The best way to reach SAYAP is by email at SAYAPGroup@gmail.com or by phone at 413-695-7615. 

Sponsor

Links