“This vote is a symbolic reminder to President Kiir and Michael Makuei that democratic authority finds its legitimacy in the consent of the people"
For immediate Release
Juba, October 31, 2013 (SSNA) — History is made today in Abyei by the Nine Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms, after nearly two years of untold suffering from the Government of Sudan, South Sudan and the International community, women and men of Abyei who exercise their democratic rights, voted overwhelmingly with 99.9% to join the Republic of South Sudan.
It is worth noting that the people of Abyei voted to be part of the Republic of South Sudan not to be part of Kiir’s cabinet.
The Lawyers for Democracy in South Sudan call upon the People’s Parliament who declared the independent of South Sudan on the 9th of July 2011 in an open sitting, to exercise the same powers and declare that Abyei is part of the Sovereign Republic of South Sudan.
We also call upon the Political parties of South Sudan in general and the opposition in particular to exercise their historical role and endorse the results of the Abyei referendum. Because this will strengthen confidence in our young democratic system, it will serve as an important legitimizing mechanism that could provide the government of the day with a mandate to undertake change, and could provide the Parliament with an indication of public opinion on Abyei issue, this Yes vote legitimize a significant change in our history that make it difficult to reverse, we believe that the People of Abyei through their vote demonstrated, were able to "settle" a debate on Abyei issue that will serve as protective device forever.
We also take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Abyei for taking this historical step and peacefully determining their destiny, and thank the people South Sudan and Civil Society for mobilizing the public support for a successful conduct of the referendum. Long leave South Sudan.