Warrap youth disband all structures, elect new chairperson
November 11, 2014 (JUBA) – Youth in South Sudan’s Warrap state elected a new chairperson, weeks after disbanding all structures.
Others were George Garang Mayar, David Ayuel Bol, Karlos Maluil Makuek and William Deng Akoon who each failed to get any vote.
The election, held in the capital, Kwajok, was witnessed by the state youth minister, the director for finance and administration as well as a seven-member committee tasked to oversee the entire process.
A number of youth commended the state administration for providing adequate security and proper guidance to the electorates.
Once sworn in, the new youth chairperson will replace Kuol Wieu Kuol, who stepped down after two years in line with the constitution.
Joseph Akol Wek, one of the youth leaders, lauded the orderly, transparent, free and fair manner in which elections were conducted.
He, however, said lobbying was tense, with state ministers and some lawmakers providing accommodation in advance to some candidates and urging voters to vote for candidates of their choice.
“I must say the governor was neutral in the process. She categorically stated that she would work with whoever the youth would elect and put into the youth. She did not show any preference. She stood as a leader and showed strong leadership. The problem was with some ministers. There was a serious division among themselves”, said Wek.
“Some of them wanted a candidate of their choice”, he added.
According to the state youth union constitution, the criteria for selecting candidates. which include being a native of the area and someone who has paid his or her monthly subscription fee must be met. It also says a candidate must be a sound minded person with no criminal records and knowledgeable of the area and its cultures and norms, must not be politically affiliated to any political party and their activities.
(ST)