Southern Sudanese in United States Prepare for Voter Registration for Southern Sudan January Referendum November 15-December 1

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From November 15 to December 1, 2010 voter registration will take place for Southern Sudanese people living in the United States, providing them with the opportunity to vote either to confirm the unity of Sudan or vote for secession of Southern Sudan in the Referendum scheduled for January 9 to 15, 2011. The Referendum is being organized by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC).  The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is assisting the SSRC to organize registration and voting in eight selected countries outside Sudan - including the United States. In the US, voting in the January Referendum is restricted to Southern Sudanese people who have registered in one of the three voter registration centers: in Washington DC Metro (Alexandria, VA), in Phoenix (Glendale), AZ or in Omaha, NE.

Locations:

These locations have been identified by the SSRC based on the population density of Southern Sudanese in the US. The addresses of the registration centers are:

Voter Registration Centers will be open from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, from Noon – 5:00 PM, on Sunday, and 8:00 AM – Noon on Thanksgiving Day. Voting for the Referendum is scheduled to be in January 2011. Only voters with a registration card will be eligible to vote and must vote at the same location where they have registered.

To view voter Eligibility Requirements, US Information Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions, visit: http://www.southernsudanocv.org

About Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC)

According to Article 8 of the 2009 Referendum Act, the SSRC was established by the Presidency of the Republic immediately following the formulation of this Act. The Commission is located in Khartoum and has a Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau in Juba. The Commission comprises the Chairperson, a Deputy, and seven members appointed by the President of the Republic, with the consent of the First Vice-President, in accordance with the provisions of Article 58 (2) (c) of the Constitution and with the approval of the members of the National Legislature with simple majority. For further information on the SSRC, see www.ssrc.sd

What is the International Organization for Migration (IOM)? IOM is a leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. The IOM has been asked by the SSRC to support it in conducting the OCV for Southern Sudanese in the eight countries selected. The OCV operations and the IOM's involvement are specified in the 2009 Referendum Act. The IOM's operational role does not involve covering transportation and accommodation costs for voters.

For more information about the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission Out of Country Voting, please e-mail: [email protected] or call the US Information Hotline +1 866-898-0119

To request media credentials please visit: www.ssrc.sd

For Media Inquiries:

Sameera Ali, (202) 787-8338 or +1 866-898-0119, Email: [email protected]

SOURCE International Organization For Migration