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Deng William Kuir, popularly known as Deng Junior, has been elected the Chairperson of the Twic East Youth Association (TEYA) in Juba for the 2025–2027 term, securing victory after a five-year journey.
He ran under the Twic East Forward (TEF) group and won with
1,511 votes from the five Payams of Twic East County, Jonglei State.
Dr. Akech Awan Adit, Chairperson of the Independent
Electoral Committee (IEC), announced the results late Sunday night.
“I do here by declare Mr. Deng William Kuir as chairperson
elect 2025–2027,” Awan said.
This was Kuir’s third time running after losing in 2021 and
2023. He thanked the people and called for unity.
“I considered defeat in 2021; I also considered defeat in
2023 but now I deserve congratulations. I urge for cooperation from Twic people
who participated in the electoral process,” he stated.
Kuir received the most votes across all five Payams: Pakeer
(347), Ajuong (255), Nyuak (373), Kongor (153), and Lith (383).
His closest rival, Abraham Dut Atem of the Twic East
Alliance for Development (TEAD), came in second with 1,109 votes, performing
best in Kongor where he garnered 603 votes.
Bul John Ajak of the Twic East Youth Vision for Development
(TEYVD) secured third place with 496 votes, with his strongest showing in Lith
(201 votes).
Jacob Khot Jok of the Twic East Youth Solidarity Alliance
(TEYSA) received 263 votes, while Adier Simon Deng of the Twic East Network
Alliance (TENA) finished last with 71 votes.
Out of 3,656 validated voters, 3,450 cast their ballots. All
candidates accepted the results, pledging to work together for the betterment
of Twic East.
"I accept the results. Twic must develop,” said Abraham
Dut Atem.
“I thought this was an urgent time for me to serve Twic but
if the people have decided then I accept. We shall work together,” said Bul
Ajak Thieu.
"Twic must remain united and stronger," added
Jacob Khot Jok.
“I would like to consider this process fair,” Adier Simon
Deng asserted.
On Saturday, Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol, Chairperson of
South Sudan’s National Election Commission, commended the youth of Twic East
for demonstrating true democracy, adding, “TEYA is an example of democratic
progress at the grassroots level.”
TEYA is a Community-Based Organization that supports young
people and women from Twic East in Juba. It provides scholarships to students
and offers training programs for women.
In April, TEYA announced its 891 million South Sudanese
Pounds (SSP) budget for 2024–2025, with a focus on education and
infrastructure. Of this amount, 714 million SSP was allocated for development
projects, including scholarships, infrastructure, and rehabilitation and
maintenance efforts.
With Deng William Kuir now leading TEYA, many young people are hopeful for more support, unity, and development in the coming years.