Charles Benykok was elected Sunday as the new chairman of the Rumbek Youth Union (RUMYU), securing 24 out of 45 votes cast by delegates from three counties.
Benykok defeated opponents John Mayiel Majok and John Thon Pam in the election. Pam received 17 votes, while Majok garnered four. Deng Mayek was elected unopposed as the union’s new secretary general.
Majok conceded defeat and congratulated Benykok, vowing to support the new leadership. “In every contest, there must be a winner and a loser. Today was not my time to lead, but tomorrow will be mine,” he said.
He pledged to assist in union projects, including drafting funding proposals.
Pam acknowledged the election as free and fair, thanking delegates for their participation. “This is the meaning of democracy—it’s either a win or a loss,” he said.
The vote was overseen by an independent committee and witnessed by Agar community elders, government officials, and Lakes State ministers.
RUMYU’s main office in Rumbek said the election concluded a process that began in mid-April. The union represents youth from three counties of the Agar Dinka sub-clan in Rumbek East, Central, and North.
Under RUMYU’s constitution, each county sends 15 delegates aged 18 to 45. The newly elected leaders will be sworn in next week after a speaker and deputy speaker are chosen by at least 27 of the 45 delegates.