Some journalists have raised concerns about the recent elections for the leadership of the Union of Journalists in South Sudan (UJOSS) in Western Equatoria State.
Last Thursday, UJOSS conducted elections for its leadership in the state, and Christopher Gaaniko was elected chairperson replacing Baraka John who was elected in 2019. Chekudu Emmanuel Mandela was elected secretary-general and Flora Gume as the treasurer.
Some journalists however told Radio Tamazuj that they were not involved in the elections.
Peter Bedem, the station manager of AKOO 99.9 FM in Mvolo County, said he was not informed about the elections but was surprised to get a call from the newly elected chairperson informing him about the latter’s intention to visit all the counties to assess the condition of the journalists.
“They were supposed to inform us because as a leader you need to be transparent, to inform us that we have an election. We were not aware of that election,” Bede said.
Eluzai Billy Samson, the station manager at AMADI 93.8 FM said the election was conducted illegally and involved only journalists in Yambio but not the whole state.
“For us in Mundri, we are not comfortable with the decision made about the elections, unless they want their union to be called Union of Journalists for Yambio, not Western Equatoria State. What we need is a comprehensive election where all the people in the state are involved. I think this one was not really a free and fair election,” Billy said.
Kindoson Bakindo, a freelance journalist in Maridi said this is not the first time the counties east of the state are neglected during UJOSS elections.
“I want to congratulate the new chairperson. I just want to give advice to the new chairperson, I know since 2012, there have been a lot of mistakes. So, I need our new chairman to unite us. Let him not neglect those in other counties far from Yambio, let him correct that error to allow journalism work to move well,” Bakindo said.
Meanwhile, the new chairperson, Christopher Gaaniko, promised to unite all the journalists in the state and improve their working environment.
“I am calling upon all the people whom I contested with to work for the benefit of our people such that we can together develop our community,” he said.
According to UJOSS President Oyet Patrick, there were insufficient funds to mobilize journalists from all parts of the state.
“Donor funds were not there and for that reason, there were a lot of challenges. You need to work together and at the state level, we need to be as creative as possible so that we engage the partners. If you need support from us at the national level, just ask us,” Oyet said.