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Students of Emmanuel Christian University (ECU) elected a new Student Guild government on Saturday in a vote that the newly elected Guild President said should serve as an example of democratic practice in South Sudan.

The elections, held on Saturday, June 27, at the ECASS School compound in Kinji, Yei, saw James Chol Cingoth elected Guild President after securing 145 votes, defeating his challenger Mayen Makorou Magang, who garnered 72 votes. Out of 239 registered voters, 22 ballots were declared invalid.

Speaking shortly after his victory, President-elect James Chol Cingoth expressed gratitude to the students for entrusting him with the leadership of the university’s student body.

“I appreciate the students who stood with me and elected me as their Guild President. They have done their part, and now it remains my responsibility to serve them. I may not promise much in words today, but my actions will demonstrate my commitment to fulfilling their expectations,” he said.

Chol also praised the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by his opponent following the announcement of the results, describing it as a true example of democracy.

“My colleague congratulated me happily after the elections. This is the kind of democratic culture we need in South Sudan. It should not end here at the university but should spread across the country, showing our people that we can compete peacefully, respect one another, and uphold integrity,” he stated.

He emphasized that every citizen deserves equal respect and dignity, urging South Sudanese to embrace democratic principles built on fairness and peaceful coexistence.

As the new Guild President, Chol acknowledged that one of his primary responsibilities would be to strengthen communication between students and the university administration.

“The Guild Presidency serves as a bridge between students and the university management. I will work closely with the elected ministers to ensure students’ concerns are heard and addressed. This bridge will not be based on personal interests but on genuine representation of students’ voices,” he explained.

In his closing message, the president-elect called on students and South Sudanese at large to uphold unity, academic excellence, and respect for the rule of law.

“Let us stand together in unity, pursue academic excellence, value one another, and remember that no one is above the law. We are all children of God, and we should love and respect each other.”