Sudan: Southern Sudan Independence Referendum on Twitter · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

This post is part of our special coverage South Sudan Referendum 2011.
Voters in Southern Sudan went to the polls today to decide whether to separate or remain part of Sudan. This is a roundup of tweets related to the referendum. You can follow live tweets using the hashtag #SudanRef.
Alun McDonald notes that the traditional Sudanese greeting has been replaced:
Seems like the traditional Sudanese greeting has today been replaced by, “Hello, have you voted yet?” #SudanRef
“Voting is going well so far,” tweets Wandering Tracy:
Voting is going well so far. Hope the next days of voting & results will also be a time of peace. #Sudanref #sudan
Ben is impressed by the solemnity of voters:
I'm impressed by the seriousness and solemnity of voters in #Sudanref outside Khartoum. #Sudan
Voters queu for 6 hours without complaining, observes Lindy Janssen:
The ordely fashion in which the #sudanref is taking place is remarkable. In queu for 6 hours in the heat and little complaints. #respect
There is a great atmosphere at polling stations:
Queues at polling stations long, slow & hot, but nobody seems to mind. Great atmosphere. All voting secession, “of course” #SudanRef
Degner wonders what will be the new name for Southern Sudan:
Anyone know what the new Sudanese country will be named? New Sudan, South Sudan, West Central African Republic? #SudanRef
Granddaugher of former Prime Minister has been arrested over anti-Sudan referendum protest:
Abeer Osman granddaughter of former PM Azhari taken to police station over anti-#Sudanref protest.
An old woman sings, “Bye bye Arab”:
Old woman dancing out of the polling station at Garang memorial singing ‘bye bye arab’ #SudanRef
A man cries out of joy at a polling station:
Man at polling station let out a cry of joy as he voted. Hundreds in line clapped for him & gave him thumbs up. #SudanRef
Voting started with a song and prayer in the US (Southern Sudanese are taking part in the referendum in 8 countries around the world):
Voting begins with a song and prayer in Arabic as requested by the voters in Dallas. #SudanRef
Vijay wonders how Southern Sudan referendum can be compared to East Timor:
Wonder how #SudanRef compared to East Timor.The bigger Q, Will the Oil in SS attract Us/UK companies pushing China out ?Will peace come ?
The first voter in Dallas, Texas;
1st voter in Dallas was elder poll worker, who after dropping ballot in box, rose his hand and waved goodbye. #SudanRef #Sudan
Is Shari'a more important that unity?:
Signs in Khartoum: “No unity at expense of Shari'a,” meaning Shari'a is more important than united Sudan. That worries many here. #sudanref
Finally, daughter of Sudan's first prime minister protests against the referendum:
Daughter of independent #Sudan's first prime minister puts flag at half staff, covers walls in black sash to protest #Sudanref
This post is part of our special coverage South Sudan Referendum 2011.