KHARTOUM, Sudan, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Africa's largest country is poised to split into two after Sudanese voters in the south completed a week-long secession referendum, voting officials said.
U.S. President Barack Obama extended the nation's congratulations to the Sudanese people and government leaders.
"The sight of so many Sudanese casting their votes in a peaceful and orderly fashion was an inspiration to the world and a tribute to the determination of the people and leaders of south Sudan to forge a better future," Obama said in a statement released by the White House. "The past week has given the world renewed faith in the prospect of a peaceful, prosperous future for all of the Sudanese people -- a future that the American people long to see in Sudan".
Though official results won't be known for some time, Obama said "independent observers have been extremely encouraged by the credibility of the process to date".
"We urge all parties to continue to urge calm and show restraint as the parties work to complete implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement," he said. "The United States will continue to assist the parties amid the tough challenges and historic opportunities that lie ahead".
Polls closed Saturday night and official results are to be announced Feb. 6, the BBC said.
However, election officials said it appeared there was overwhelming support for the predominantly Christian and animist south to separate from the Muslim north.
Southern Sudanese Referendum Commission Chairman Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil said more than 80 percent of eligible voters in the south had voted, easily surpassing the mandated 60 percent requirement.
The vote was ordered in 2005 as part of a peace package to end years of civil war in Sudan.
Pro-separatists in the south have already chosen a new flag and anthem, but not a name for the new country, which would come into existence July 9, the report said.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has said he won't challenge the vote's results in any case. UPI
