Rumbek Youth Union Election: Charles Benykok Elected Chairman

May 7, 2025 | Rumbek

Election Results and Vote Breakdown

The Rumbek Youth Union election concluded on Sunday in Rumbek, with 45 delegates from Rumbek East, Central, and North counties casting ballots to choose their new leadership. In a competitive race, Charles Benykok secured the chairman’s post by winning 24 votes. His main rivals, John Thon Pam and John Mayiel Majok, received 17 and 4 votes respectively. At the same time, Deng Mayek was elected unopposed as secretary general, rounding out the top two positions in the union’s executive.

Reactions from the Candidates

Following the announcement, John Mayiel Majok graciously conceded defeat. “In every contest, there must be a winner and a loser. Today was not my time to lead, but tomorrow will be mine,” he stated, pledging to support the new leadership and assist in drafting funding proposals for upcoming projects. His words set a collaborative tone, emphasizing unity over rivalry.

John Thon Pam also praised the process as free and fair. “This is the meaning of democracy—it’s either a win or a loss,” he commented, thanking all delegates for their participation. Both defeated candidates promised to aid Benykok’s administration and work for the benefit of all youth within the Agar Dinka sub-clan.

Significance of the Rumbek Youth Union Election

RUMYU represents youth from the three counties of the Agar Dinka sub-clan—Rumbek East, Central, and North. Established as a platform for leadership development, community dialogue, and social projects, the union’s successful election underscores growing democratic practices among South Sudanese youth organizations. The oversight by an independent committee, Agar community elders, government officials, and Lakes State ministers ensured transparency and fairness throughout the process.

Key Priorities for the New Leadership

In his acceptance speech, Chairman-elect Charles Benykok outlined several immediate priorities for his administration:

• Youth Skills Training: Partner with NGOs to deliver vocational workshops in agriculture, technology, and business management.
• Funding Mobilization: Secure grants and low-interest loans through government and donor coordination for youth-led startups.
• Community Forums: Host monthly town-hall meetings in each county to gather input and ensure inclusive decision-making.
• Transparency Measures: Publish quarterly financial reports and project updates on the union’s website.

Secretary General Deng Mayek echoed these goals, emphasizing the importance of clear accounting practices and a robust grievance-redress mechanism to address any concerns from members.

Next Steps and Inauguration

Under RUMYU’s constitution, the chairman and secretary general will be officially sworn in next week. Before the inauguration, delegates must elect a speaker and deputy speaker by securing at least 27 of the 45 votes. Once the full executive team is in place, the union’s main office in Rumbek will release the calendar for the 2025–26 activities cycle, which includes a youth empowerment conference and a peace-building outreach initiative.

Observers note that the Rumbek Youth Union election could serve as a model for other youth bodies across South Sudan. By institutionalizing transparent elections and empowering young leaders, RUMYU is helping cultivate a generation that values accountability, civic engagement, and cross-county collaboration. Several donor agencies have already expressed interest in funding the union’s training programs, while local businesses have offered apprenticeships and mentorship opportunities for graduates of RUMYU initiatives.

The Rumbek Youth Union election has delivered a dynamic leadership duo in Charles Benykok and Deng Mayek, poised to advance youth interests across Lakes State. Their victory not only reflects the will of delegates but also highlights the maturing political culture among South Sudan’s young population. As Benykok and Mayek prepare to assume office, the union stands ready to usher in a new era of democratic participation, community development, and sustainable youth empowerment.