Speaking to Ahram Online, Shan Rig, the chairman of the Southern Sudan Referendum for Self-determination Committee, confirmed that “After counting the vote in polling stations located in remote areas, the turnout will exceed 60 per cent." Other sources within the committee toldAhram Onlinethat the initial results are expected to be announced on 2 February while the final results will be declared between 7 and 14 February. Some 4 million people are registered to vote in the southern Sudanese secession referendum. In Khartoum, President Omar Al-Bashir held an urgent meeting with the National Conference Party's high committee members to discuss new developments in the referendum. The members declared their commitment to solving all pending issues through dialogue with the Southern People's Liberation Movement in the South.
