Nasir County paramount chief election. | Photo: Duol Kun Thian/Facebook.

Deng Riek Ruot Monday was elected as the paramount chief of Nasir County in Upper Nile – beating five other candidates in the election conducted in Nasir town.

A total of 109 eligible voters comprising Head-Chiefs, Executive Chiefs, and Sub-Chiefs from 14 Payams cast their votes manually by physically sitting behind the candidates of their choice.

Mr. Riek was declared the winner with 63 votes, Chop Yich Tuok becomes the second runner-up with 17 votes, and Wiyual Jock Nyoak was the third runner-up with 15 votes.

Meanwhile, chiefs Koang Dhoal Kikuey got 13 votes, Ker Doyiech Lul has only one voter and none voted for Biel Deng Koal.

Chiefs in South Sudan play a critically important role in settling disputes, preventing armed conflict, and fostering peace within and between communities, according to Conflict Sensitivity Resource Facility.

As the key intermediaries between local communities and higher levels of government, UN agencies, and international NGOs, they have an essential role to play in informing, sensitizing, and mobilizing community members around critical social issues.