A total of 13 registration centers opened today throughout Darfur’s three states, allowing South Sudan inhabitants who live in the region to participate in the upcoming referendum on the self-determination of South Sudan. The registration process will run through 1 December. UNAMID airlifted registration materials to select locations in South Darfur.

    A South Sudanese registers his name and collects his ID voting card in a registration point in El Fasher (North Darfur).

Yesterday, a ceremony launching referendum registration was held in El Fasher, North Darfur, to provide South Sudanese with information on the electoral process. The event included a football match and cultural competition involving south Sudanese communities.

The plebiscite is expected to begin on 9 January 2011, and it is part of the final phase in the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which will determine whether to become independent or to remain part of a united Sudan.

Photos by Albert Gonzalez Farran