South Sudan independence vote credible, observers

Khartoum, 17 Jan – (ANA) -South Sudan's independence referendum was credible and well organised, European observers said in their first official judgment on the poll on Monday, moving the region a step closer to secession.

Early results from the week-long vote suggest an overwhelming vote to split away from the mostly Muslim north after decades of civil war.

"The European Union election observation mission assess the voting process of the Southern Sudan Referendum credible and well-organised in a mostly peaceful environment," a preliminary statement seen by Reuters said.

Organisers have reported turnouts of over 90 percent of voters in some parts of the oil-producing south. In the capital Juba six centres had more than 2,500 votes for secession compared to a maximum of just 25 votes for unity. (ANA)

FA/ANA/17 January 2011-------