The students of Rumbek University Science and Technology (RUST) on Monday elected a new guild president at the university’s main campus in the Lakes State capital Rumbek.

Sabit Job Reech emerged victor with 258 votes while his main challenger, Makuac Ater Marial, garnered 39 votes. There were 303 registered voters.

The chairperson of the RUST election committee, Enock Makoi Machol, told Radio Tamazuj Tuesday that the contenders for the elective student positions were unopposed.

“Only two candidates contested for the guild presidency and the rest of the contestants for vacant positions of general secretary, health secretary, and the deputy guild president went through unopposed. Sabit got 258 votes out of 303, 5 votes were invalid and the other candidate, Ater, acquired 39 votes, with only 1 invalid vote,” he said. “We finished our elections in a free, fair, and just manner and people were very happy. There was no problem because it is something that is always done at Rumbek University.”

Sabit Job Reech, the guild president-elect, thanked those who voted for him and said he would work to improve the students’ welfare.

“I have seen some challenges and I want to help the university’s administration to make sure that the welfare of students is improved and ensure that there is harmony among students and peace and unity in our community,” he said.  “My message to the Lakes State community and South Sudan is to send their children to Rumbek University because it is going to be the best institution in South Sudan.”

Job added: Governor Rin Tueny has brought peace to Lakes State and my message to those in secondary schools is to make Rumbek University their first choice.”

He appealed to the state and national governments to fund the institution.

Meanwhile, Makuac Ater Marial who lost the election said that despite losing, he was happy with the election results and thanked his supporters.

“I urge the newly elected leadership of Rumbek University to perform and work in the interest of the students,” he stated. “Although I lost this election, I still have an opportunity in the future and will succeed next time.”