Chan Majak was elected chairperson of the Abyei Youth Union on Tuesday after a two-day vote.
The electoral committee said 120 delegates from the area’s four counties selected Majak from a field of six candidates. The process was observed by civil society groups, a representative from the national youth union, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
Majak replaces former chairperson Chol Lual, who served for three years.
In his first remarks, Majak thanked members for his election and pledged to focus on unity, empowerment and service delivery for youth.
“I am the leader that will take them forward,” Majak said. “My message again is to tell them that I am already in the leadership and this is a fruitful chance.”
He promised to improve job opportunities and said he would cooperate with his former opponents for the benefit of Abyei’s youth.
“I will cooperate with my opponents because they are good leaders of our time,” Majak said. “They have good manifestos — the only challenge is that one position couldn’t accommodate all of us.”
One of the candidates, Aguek Bagat, accepted the result but noted that campaign time was limited.
“The election for Abyei Youth Union was free and fair though I am the loser,” Bagat said. “All participants were convinced, only that time was not enough for manifesto elaboration.”
Bagat said he would support the new chairperson, adding that “we are the backbone of the area.”
Noon Makoor, chairperson of the electoral committee, described the process as transparent.
“The election outcome was good. All the candidates unanimously accepted the results,” Makoor said. “The good thing was that nobody expressed anger after the end of the election.”