South Sudanese students elect new leader in Kenya

July 6, 2015 (NAIROBI) – The South Sudanese students association in Kenya have elected a new leader, hoping to reunite lose coalitions based on ethnic backgrounds.

The newly-elected association chairman, Deng Bol Michael beat two of his closest contestants, obtaining 80 out of 207 votes cast during Saturday’s polls.

But Ayen Marial, a contestant accused some officials within the electoral commission of allegedly rigging the vote in favors of Bol.

“The election was not free and fair,” an angry Marial said by phone, accusing organising secretary, Jimme Mading for the election mess.

“Mading registered unrecognised colleges and universities for voting in favor to her rival,” Marial told Sudan Tribune from the Kenya capital, Nairobi.

But the organising secretary dismissed claims of irregularities in voting describing such allegations as unfounded and lacking any grounds.

Marial has, however, vowed to cooperate and work with the newly-elected chairperson.

Meanwhile, the newly elected association chairman said he would strive for unity among South Sudanese citizens, despite the political disintegration of tribes in the country due to the ongoing conflict

“The objectives, mission and vision of the non political association is to serve all South Sudanese students in Kenya regardless of their ethnic through promotion of peace, love and unity,” he stressed.

Bol said he would prioritise unity, adding that his administration would form a steering committee to review the association’s constitutions in various Kenyan institutions.

SCANDALS

The South Sudanese students’ leader accused the previous administration leadership of allegedly embezzlements Kshs 2.5 million, claims Sudan Tribune could not verify.

Bol vowed practice accountability and transparency to ensure all funds are well-utilised.

(ST)