The Union of Journalists of South Sudan or UJoSS on Thursday reelected their chairperson in a free and fair election after a three-day general assembly in Juba.
The executive includes Chairperson Oliver Mödi, deputy chairperson Cecilia Joseph, General Secretary Edward Lodu Terso deputized by Peter Maliab, Bakhita Radio reported.
Lily Nelson was elected Treasurer assisted by Achinkock Deng, Joseph Edward became organizing Secretary and Diana Dehiya was elected Gender Secretary.
The general assembly also elected five members for the executive: Alor Deng, Albadir Ali, Flora Agnilo, John Lemi and Johnson Amum.
Mr Mödi was reelected with 33 votes while his opponent Michael Koma got eight.
He called on the new executive to work as a team to develop the media in the new nation.
Mr M√∂di called on all UJoSS members and all journalists countrywide to work together to achieve the Union’s vision.
He said journalism is a call to tell the truth although the truth is bitter in South Sudan and other countries in the globe.
Uganda Journalists Union or UJU General Secretary Stephen Ouma Bwire pledged to strengthen ties with UJoSS in press freedom, labour laws, freedom of expression and journalists’ protection.
He said UJU and UJoSS would exchange programmes and joint advocacy campaigns aimed at safeguarding South Sudanese and Ugandan journalists.
Association of Media Women in South Sudan chairperson Veronica Lucy Gordon said UJoSS showed maturity by electing women to their executive body.
She advised the women to work hard in UJoSS.
National Labour Union representative advised the new UJoSS Executive Committee to work hard to achieve the objectives of the Union.
In the three-day meeting, UJoSS adopted the previous office report and the amended its Constitution.
Uganda and Kenya Unions of journalist members observed the process of election.