SUDAN MAY BE DIVIDED

 

 Sudan's Historic Vote

• Voting: 9-15 January
• To pass, there must be a 60% turnout, plus a straightforward majority in favour
• Vote is a condition of the 2005 deal to end the two-decade north-south conflict
• Most northerners are Arabic-speaking Muslims
• Most southerners are Christian or follow traditional religions
• Oil-rich Abyei area to hold separate vote on whether to join north or south
• Referendum could divide Africa's largest country
• Final result due 6 February or 14 February if there are appeals
• South would become continent's newest nation on 9 July 2011
• National anthem and flag chosen, but not new country's name