The Panyon community elected a paramount chief and regional court members Saturday during statewide chieftaincy elections in Lakes State, while postponing one contested race.
Sebit Kuac Manyiel was elected unopposed as paramount chief for the Cueiadukan Payam regional court in Rumbek Central County.
Akec Machek, chairperson of the state election committee, told Radio Tamazuj that a potential opponent was barred from running under local government law.
In the race for deputy paramount chief, Khartoum Ater Majing won with 2,512 votes, or 53.4%, of the 4,704 total votes cast. Mangar Chol Adut received 899 votes (19.1%) and Maker Majok Makueth received 1,293 votes (27.5%). Majing was declared the winner.
Three members of the regional court were also elected: Matur Magot Kuek, who received 2,359 votes (58.4%); Theen Kooc, who received 2,137 votes (66.4%); and Cumal Marial Reec, who received 1,682 votes (41.6%).
At the more local Boma level, the executive chief position for Mopper Boma was unchallenged, with Dut Maker and other members declared winners. However, the committee postponed the highly contested election for Adol Boma’s chief. Previous officeholders will remain in their positions until further notice.
Civil society activist Manguak Majuong praised the elections for empowering communities but criticized a lack of transparency in canceling some races after candidates had paid fees.
“It is unfair to announce a position vacant and later withdraw it from the contest,” Majuong said. “People prepared to contest wasted resources.” He urged officials to clarify which positions are contested before the process begins to protect community resources.
Local intellectual Bith Maker applauded the elections as a positive step toward national elections scheduled for next year.
“It will renew the commitment and mandate of chiefs in the community,” Maker said. He noted the process was peaceful but urged the committee to avoid postponing contested races, warning that delays could lead to violence and wasted resources.