Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir will visit southern Sudan today, ahead of next week's independence referendum that is expected to split Africa's largest country in two and form a new nation. Rabie Abdelati Obeid, a prominent member of Sudan's ruling party said, Mr. Bashir will review election preparations and meet with southern leaders about ensuring an open and transparent vote. Obeid said, Mr. Bashir will demonstrate his government's commitment to good relations with the south, even if – as expected – the vote favours secession. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former U.N. secretary-general Kofi Annan are due to lead a delegation of more than 100 international observers of the referendum. In addition, the U.S. State Department said, special envoy Scott Gration and veteran diplomat Princeton Lyman will both be in Sudan for the vote on Sunday.