Rumbek University students elect new guild president

RUMBEK – Students at the Rumbek University of Science and Technology have elected a new guild president. The winner, Sabit Job Reech, secured 258 out of 303 votes against his contender Makuac Ater Marial who got 39 out of the total valid votes.

Electoral Committee Chairperson Abuna Enock Makoi announced the results, noting that only three of the available leadership positions were unopposed. The election was conducted on Tuesday

“Two applied for guild president, the rest were only three students: general secretary, health secretary, and deputy guild president,” he said. “These three went unopposed. Sabit [Job Reech] got 258 ballot votes out of 303 total registered voters, five invalids. His competitor, Makuac Ater Marial, acquired 39 ballot votes, with one invalid.”

Makoi called for the outgoing student leadership to amend the constitution, as the electoral body does not have the mandate to do so. He confirmed the election was “free, fair, and just.”

Newly elected president Sabit Job Reech expressed gratitude to the student body and outlined his goals.

“I want to improve student welfare, build unity among students, and deliver peace to our community. Most students here come from different communities – if they are united, they can take that message to the community and embrace peace in Lakes State and South Sudan.”

Reech urged the community to support education.

“Send your students to Rumbek University. It is going to be the best university. Peace is here, and we want to put in our effort to live in peace and unity. We will fight food insecurity and poor health through our university’s colleges.”

He appealed to the state and national governments: “Make Rumbek University a first choice and address its challenges.”

Runner-up Makuac Ater Marial was gracious in defeat: “I am happy with my supporters. Even though I lost, I will get another chance to lead. I urge the new leadership to continue, and we shall do other great things next time.”