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Right of Self-Determination – 2011

The referendum for southern Sudan took place from 9 to 15 January 2011. The referendum was conducted in the Sudan and in eight out-of-country-voting (OCV) countries (with the exception of an OCV centre in Brisbane where the polling continued until 18 January).¹ On 7 February 2011, the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission announced the final results for the Referendum. 1.17% of valid votes were cast in favor of unity, 98.83% of valid votes were cast in favor of secession with a 97.58% voter turnout (3,851,994 registered voters).² This satisfies that the provision related to self-determination for southern Sudan was implemented. Nevertheless, the Abyei referendum did not take place as after the north and south could not agree on who was eligible to vote.³ The southern Sudan called for the referendum for Abyei and insisted that the Abyei belonged to the south Sudan.⁴

1. “The CPA Monitor-Monthly report on the Implementation of the CPA,” UNMIS, January 2011.
2. “The CPA Monitor-Monthly report on the Implementation of the CPA,” UNMIS, February 2011.
3. “Southern Sudan Official: Abyei Belongs with Us,” Associated Press Online, April 29, 2011.
4. “Sudan; South Calls for Abyei Referendum,” Africa News, May 26, 2011.