________________

Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune was Friday declared the newly-elected Paramount Chief — also known as Won Nyaci — in a poll exercise described by observers as generally free and fair.

After emerging triumphant in a two-way race, Odongo will be enthroned in November when the man he will succeed, Yosam Odur, will leave office.

The voters were drawn from each of the participating clans, nominating 15 people as voters, including the Awitong (clan leader).

The election was held at the proposed Akiibua Stadium.

Chairperson Lango Kingdom Election Commission Tom Otim declaring the winner

Six names were proposed but only three were declared duly nominated.

One candidate, Dr Richard Nam, who did not appear was disqualified as voting by proxy was not allowed.

The voting then started and each of the 15 voters from each clan cast their ballot.

After the closure of voting, the chairperson of the commission, Tom Otim, said over 130 clan leaders participated in the election process.

Jusphine Omara Olili, the RDC of Kole, a member of the Oyima clan cast her vote

Otim said the process had been very challenging with threats and intimidation but only God made it possible for them to accomplish the task.

The election commission was twice dismissed by the outgoing Paramount Chief, Yosam Odur Ebii.

However, the Council of Owitong declined to support his move and insisted the commission continue with their task as earlier planned.

Election Officials stand with the ballot boxes soon after voting ended

This made some clan leaders loyal to Odur go to court seeking an interim order blocking the election. Court dismissed the application with costs to the applicants.

Some of these leaders boycotted the polls.

At the end of the Friday electoral exercise, Otim announced the total votes cast were 1,858, with 27 of these declared invalid.

Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune garnered 1,692 votes (91.1%) while Dan Okello got a distant 139 votes (7.5%).

Otim then declared Odongo the new Paramount Chief-elect.

Joseph Olet Magezi, a clan leader and Minister in Lango Cultural Foundation casts his vote