By James Innocent
The planned election for the leadership of the Yei Boda Boda Association in Yei River County has been postponed following concerns regarding transparency, voter representation, and low turnout; only 108 delegates out of an expected 156 representatives participated.
Chairman Emmanuel Duku has led the association for over seven years without a transition, prompting members to call for a democratic electoral process.
Observers and local officials highlighted issues with unequal representation and restrictions placed on outside delegates.
According to the election committee, the 108 participating delegates were drawn from 78 stages.
Speaking during the exercise, Asiki Moses Justin, an advocate for persons with disabilities in Yei River County, welcomed the election process as an important democratic step.
He emphasised that the election is necessary to allow members to choose leaders who will effectively represent and work for the interests of motorists in Yei.
“The election should be conducted democratically and without manipulation or rigging. In case of disputes or irregularities affecting the credibility of the vote, the process should be reorganised to maintain public confidence,” Mambo Samuel Longa, Senior Observer
Yatta Ambros, chairperson of the Election Committee for the association, acknowledged the challenges faced during the exercise.
He noted that several voters complained about restrictions on outside representatives participating, leading to disagreements among stakeholders.
The Inspector for Youth and Sports in Yei River County also raised concerns about the transparency of the exercise, stating that an election conducted without fairness and openness cannot be considered credible.
He added that such shortcomings contradict the democratic principles guaranteed by the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011.
Following consultations with stakeholders, officials resolved to postpone the election until further notice. This delay will allow the committee to address the transparency and representation concerns raised by voters and observers.
The postponement coincided with the Labour Day celebrations held in Yei River County.