The chairperson of the electoral committee for the South Sudan Bar Association, Justice Molana Kulang Gurbang, announced the victory of Arop Malueth Monoon, the Advocates Alliance candidate, in the elections held on Wednesday at Freedom Hall in Juba.
In a press conference held in Juba last evening, Kulang reported that a total of 1,421 votes were cast, with only one vote invalidated during the process.
“Those who voted for the coalition amounted to 645 votes in Juba, 8 votes in Aweil, 25 votes in Renk, and 41 votes in Wau. The total number of votes for the coalition reached 719,” Kulang announced.
Kulang also revealed the results for the Reform and Prosperity group, which received 638 votes in Juba, 11 votes in Aweil, 15 votes in Renk, and 36 votes in Wau, totalling 700 votes. “There was one invalid vote in Wau and 67 invalid votes in Juba,” Kulang added.
Speaking at a press conference, the newly elected president of the Bar Association, Maulana Arop Malueth, expressed his joy over the election results. He described the day as historic, noting that the elections were conducted fairly before a committee and observers.
He congratulated all South Sudanese lawyers on achieving a free union that protects their rights, emphasizing the struggles they faced due to the lack of such an organization.
“It has been our dream to have a Bar Association elected by our members. We have been suffering from disorganization. Today, history has been made. We have the first freely elected body,” Maluith stated.
Malueth called on all lawyers to unite, put the past behind them, and work together for the benefit of the association.