Elections for youth union leadership commences in Juba

By Awan Achiek

The election process to elect new leadership of the National Youth Union has kicked off in Juba on Friday.

The two-day event brought together about 137 youth delegates from the 10 States and three Administrative Areas including members of the diaspora and persons living with disabilities.

Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, Minister of Presidential Affairs, said during the opening of the third youth convention at Freedom Hall in Juba that youth should discard tribal divisions and unite for the common good of the country.

“As you are going to continue with your discussion, see yourself as united youth of South Sudan and look at your diversities, God didn’t make any mistake to create us in these small tribes, let’s use this diversity to move this country forward,” Bakosoro said.

He cautioned politicians against meddling in the youth leadership elections.

“We need free and fair elections among ourselves, we don’t need interference in youth affairs, you have all the capacity and abilities to have your elections conducted well and move the country forward,” Bakasoro said.

Six candidates are vying for the position of chairperson. The elections had been initially scheduled to take place from May 22- 24, but they were pushed to Friday due to unknown reasons.

Dr. Joseph Geng Akech, Minister of Youth and Sports said the elections are taking place at the time when the country and its leadership are preparing for general elections.

“Our country is preparing for general elections and there are skeptics who say the country is not ready for elections, prove them wrong that you are able to conduct this election peacefully,” Akech said.

“That is the expectation of our president and that is the expectation of our government that the youth are here today to elect their leaders, so that we move forward to develop our country and consolidate peace among our people,” he added.

South Sudan National Youth Union was established in 2011, the same year the country gained independence from Sudan.

The primary aim of its establishment is to bring youth together under one umbrella so that they collectively present their voice and issues affecting them to the government.