Sudanese Referendum: A True Landslide

The votes are in and one-sided; with 99.57% of the vote, South Sudan will secede as an entity of Sudan and seek to establish its own government. Of the ten southern states, six reported 99.9% in favor of the secession, while the closest state of the voting territory registered at a hesitant 95% for secession. In what is being jubilantly hailed as a massive landslide (and at 99.57%, yes, it is a landslide) the South of Sudan will look to become an independent state. The results come as waves of low-wage earning southern Sudanese return to the south after moving north looking for work. Much of the oil of the country is drilled and refined in the north, leaving the south on uncertain ground economically. Over 190,000 people have returned to the south, with another 100,000 expected to make the trip in the coming year. They return to a very uncertain future. The moment it is recognized as a nation, it will be one of the poorest countries in the world and its relations with the north will in all likelihood dictate its initial strides in economic, governmental and social demeanor as it establishes its identity in front of the world. As riots and violence and revolution rock Tunisia and Egypt, Sudan is a peaceful revolution and secession and is a testament to the powers of diplomacy. And for the US, please avoid the term 'landslide' in the foreseeable future, unless a politician wins by 99%.