W. Bahr el Ghazal assembly elects deputy speaker

March 27, 2015 (WAU) – Lawmakers in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal state have elected Mary Emilio Bafuka as the legislative assembly’s new deputy speaker.

Bafuka, who previously served as the assembly’s head of specialised committees, also doubles as the state women association’s chairperson.

Mario Nyibang, the assembly speaker, described Bafuka’s elevation to the deputy speaker’s post as a bridge in the gender equality gap.

“The election of Bafuka as the first female deputy speaker in Western Bahr el Ghazal state means a great significance in promoting gender balance in the state,” said Nyibang.

He described the new deputy speaker as an able and very committed legislator.

“We all believe Bafuka has a capacity to fulfill her duties and as deputy speaker in this assembly,” said the assembly speaker.

(ST)