How Twic East Forward (TEF) secured victory in the TEYA election in Juba, South Sudan
Deng Duot D’Ajur
By Deng Duot D’Ajur, Brisbane, Australia
Monday, 23 June 2025 (PW) — opinion piece aims to offer a balanced reflection on how Twic East Forward (TEF) secured victory in the Twic East Youth Association (TEYA) election held on 15 June 2025. At its core, democracy is not about how loudly one speaks, but about what the majority decides. Regardless of whether a few individuals may disagree with TEF’s ideological standpoint, the true test of democratic culture lies in one’s ability to accept defeat and congratulate the winner. In that spirit, TEYA in South Sudan has demonstrated maturity by respecting what their campaign agents witnessed and accepting the election as a “free and fair phenomenon.”
Mr. William Deng Kuir Bul, widely known in South Sudan and beyond as Deng Junior, emerged as the chairman-elect in this year’s TEYA general election. After unsuccessful bids in both 2021 and 2023, Deng Jr finally clinched the top seat on his third attempt. He won with a decisive margin of 402 votes over his closest rival, Abraham Dut Atem, in a highly competitive race that featured four strong candidates with significant grassroots support.
Deng Jr’s support base was both broad and deep, spanning Payams within South Sudan and extending into the diaspora. His rallies were attended by influential figures, and key youth mobilizers, including the Jolong Junta and supporters from at least three Payams, played a strategic role in turning out votes. This coalition enabled TEF to secure a democratic majority.
Crucially, many in the Twic East diaspora, especially in the West, also rallied behind Deng Jr, motivated by empathy after his previous electoral losses. They viewed this election as his moment to finally showcase his political and social leadership capabilities. Support came from his home Payam, international communities, and even non-political organizations who wanted to see new leadership with a fresh vision.
Additionally, TEF benefited from grassroots endorsements by some local chiefs and senior politicians. These endorsements, often rotational in nature across different Payams, gave the campaign a unique legitimacy and momentum. It also pointed to an emerging understanding of power-sharing across the region, an implicit acknowledgment of the importance of political inclusivity. The congratulatory remarks made during post-election events further reinforced this sentiment.
The real challenge now lies ahead: Deng Jr must find a way to bring both sides together, reconciling competing factions and moving the community forward. His victory was resounding, but some of his former rivals and their supporters may still feel discontent. It’s critical that Deng Jr works to rebuild trust and form a government that is inclusive, not polarizing.
There have been concerns that sarcastic remarks or triumphalist rhetoric by some of Deng Jr’s supporters could deepen post-election divisions. It is therefore important that TEF leaders and followers show restraint and magnanimity in public discourse. The legitimacy of TEF’s leadership depends not only on electoral success but also on how it handles dissent and disagreement moving forward.
Despite the win, some radical voices have emerged, pushing divisive narratives and targeting individuals or specific Payams. These actions are counterproductive. Deng Jr must distance himself from such elements and publicly denounce divisive behavior. His thanksgiving speech offered hope, he carried himself with dignity, humility, and clarity. That tone should define the rest of his term.
A recurring point of confusion has been the metaphorical concept of “The Bridge” from Juor-Lith to Juor-Roor. This term, once a source of political unity, is now surrounded by ambiguity and controversy. Some question its purpose, its duration, and whether certain groups like the Jolong Junta are included or excluded from its framework. Rather than using “The Bridge” as a divisive tool, it should be reimagined as a policy of reconciliation and inclusion, one that acknowledges past contributions while preparing for future cooperation.
Ultimately, Deng Jr’s victory was driven by moral and electoral support from across registered Payams, both at home and abroad. TEYA must now adhere to its constitution and advance democratic practices. Part of that includes condemning any behavior that undermines unity or disrespects cultural values during celebrations.
I join those celebrating this achievement and look forward to seeing what positive changes Deng Jr will bring over the next two years. The recent thanksgiving event in Juba, attended by diverse community members from across South Sudan, symbolized a new chapter. But now, the time for celebration must give way to implementation. Twic East Forward must roll up its sleeves and get to work. There is no time to waste on prolonged public disputes, we must move forward, together.
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