Opinion | Why the Jagei community elections in Juba was free and fair

By John Mahoth Rong Chieng

OPINION – Jagei Community Association (JCA) in the Republic of South Sudan is a social, Non-governmental & non-political organization whose sole objective is to unite and works for the interest of People of Jagei in different works of lives. It is guided by our ancestral spirit of Love and Unity.

Like any other communities in the Republic of South, Jagei Community has been severely affected by the crisis which the Country has been going through in the past 7-8 years. Amongst such effects is political division where the same community has been governed by two different executive boards in the same country. Triggered by the formation of Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU), JCA wisely thought of coming together irrespective of one’s political affiliation and forming a one executive board that will work for the interest of Jagei Community.

It is in that light that the Jagei Community holds an inclusive general assembly meeting ever since the outbreak of 2013 crisis. The idea of holding a general election is well based on these reunification ideals and commitments.

On my view, the reunification process which subsequently leads to election is legal and fair for it portrayed a clear insight on how this mighty community should move forward with a clear mission. The claimed by some that the process was illegal should be treated with the highest contempt it deserves. The Electoral Commission (EC) gave humble time to the would-be aspirants to submit in their application, but none did so other Hon Malual Tap Diu. The alleged irregularities in the constitution review is as well not candid and should not be used a mean to divide Jagei in this sensitive time.

The newly elected Chairman, have all what it takes to transform this community to where we desired it to be, his leadership potential and credibility is unquestioned. The fact that he came unopposed is a clear indication that he is welcomed by the entire fraternity of Jagei Community. We are in 21^st century where leaders like Malual Tap Diu, who are innovative and energetic, should be given a chance to transform this community. Koch as an oil producing county in Unity State and has not gain any single benefit since the start of oil exploration in the Sudan’s time up to now and this is attributed to lacked of well-informed leaders who are curious of community’s needs. The installation of Malual Tap Diu as the new Chairperson of JCA is a clear step towards alleviating the suffering of our civil population who has been affected by socio-economic related problems.

I urge my fellow brothers who might hold different views regarding Malual Tap’s election, to put the interest of our community first. Let’s give Malual a chance to prove his worth. Our community stand and strength is far much better than our individual’s political stand because our disunity will always be used by the political elite to exploit our needs as a community. Remember a house divided against it self cannot stand.

I wish Hon Malual Tap Diu all the best in his leadership tenure.

The author is a student at Nkumba University and an administrator of the Jagei Intellectual Forum (JIF). He can be reached via: mahothrongc@gmail.com.

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