Bor County youth association elects new leader

July 28, 2013 (BOR) – Bor County Youth Association (BCYA) on Saturday elected Anyang Ajith from Makuach Payam [district] as its new leader in an election after he defeated two other contestants, Magok Alier Akuot from Jale Payam and Thon Ayuen from Baidit Payam.

In the election, which was conducted at Bor Central Star Hotel, Anyang Ajith won with 495 votes, out of the 1,329 ballots cast.

However, Nyok Deng, a member representing one of the five Payams making Bor County criticised the electoral commission saying, Anyang Ajith, the declared winner did not get the required number of voters.

“The elections were free and fair yes, but there were problems in determining the winner. None of them got the 50 percent plus one vote, therefore, the two leading candidates should go for re-run”, said Nyok Deng.

From his calculations, Deng claims there is a need for a re-run between Anyang Ajith and Thon Ayuen.

“Anyang got 495 votes, this is equal to 26.64 percent, Thon had 388 votes, which is 20.88 percent, Magot got 265 votes, equivalent of 14.26 percent, there is no leader here,” he said.

Magot Alier and his agents, and the agents of Thon Ayuen however accepted defeat saying the election was free and fair.

“My agents have told me that the elections were free and fair, therefore, we have accepted the results of this election”, said Magot.

“As I said during the day of open campaigns, I will work hand in hand with our leader, including my team. I expect the Thon Ayuen and his team to do the same.”

The Bor County Youth Electoral Commission Chairman, Panchol Aguek Ngong said the county has 1,858 registered voters out of which 1,329 voted with 166 of the votes declared invalid while 15 were unmarked.

The electoral commission urged the new youth leadership to unite and work with those that did not support them.

Without giving details, the new youth leader, while addressing the general assembly on Sunday, said he would improve the living conditions of the youth in Bor county.

The challenge for the new leader is how to form a government since they have no constitution to guide them. The draft constitution that they have was not signed into law when the old government left office in June this year.

Anyang and his team will serve a two-year term and later step down so that fresh elections can be conducted.

(ST)