The Chairperson of the South Sudan National Election
Commission (NEC) acknowledged the involvement of Twic East County youth in
promoting democratic practices during a campaign event held on Saturday in
Shirikat, Juba.
The event marked the launch of the Twic East Youth
Association (TEYA) 2025–2027 election race ahead of polling day on June 15,
with results expected the same day.
Five candidates representing youth alliances are contesting
the chairmanship, each bringing a unique vision for the future of the Twic East
Youth Association as they compete to lead the organization.
They include Jacob Khot Jok, flag bearer of the Twic East
Youth Solidarity Alliance (TEYSA); Adier Simon Deng of the Twic East Network
Alliance (TENA); Abraham Dut Atem of the Twic East Alliance for Development
(TEAD); Bul Ajak Thieu, representing the Twic East Youth Vision for Development
(TEYVD); and Deng Junior William of Twic East Forward (TEF).
Speaking at the event, Abednego Akok Kacuol, NEC
chairperson, highlighted the importance of youth leadership and democratic
engagement ahead of South Sudan’s 2026 general elections.
“You have a promising future, and you have made a strong
start beginning with democracy. I'm pleased to see young people taking the lead
in organizing democratic activities,” said Akok.
He urged all 79 counties of South Sudan to take inspiration
from TEYA, which he described as an example of democratic progress at the
grassroots level.
“As we look ahead to the 2026 elections in South Sudan, I
want to tell the 79 counties that this is a great example of democracy in
action. I'm confident that when the national elections take place, this county
will be well-prepared to elect its leaders and so will the others,” he added.
The Twic East Youth Association (TEYA) is a Community-Based
Organization (CBO) committed to supporting youth and women from the Twic East
community in Juba.
The organization provides sponsorship to academically
excelling students who are financially disadvantaged and offers vocational
training and empowerment programs, especially for women.
Saturday’s event highlighted not only the upcoming local leadership race but also the growing role of young people in shaping South Sudan’s democratic future.