Members of Jonglei Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development (JIPDD), a local civil society group based in Bor, has elected new leadership over the weekend in an election organised by Jonglei Civil Society Network.

The election, which comes six months after the dissolution of the former top leadership, is expected to resolve the row within the institute.

“In South Sudan, leadership becomes a source of conflict so this process tells us the importance of democracy,” said Abraham Malual, the chairperson of the Electoral Committee told Radio Tamazuj on Monday.

Malual said the election was free and fair and the newly elected members will serve for a year in office according to the group’s constitution.

The Jonglei Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development (JIPDD) is supported by USAID through the VISTAS program, which seeks to prevent further spread of communal violence and rising tensions in critical areas where conflict may have national implications.