A National Member of Parliament representing Turalei Payam in Twic County, Warrap State, has raised concerns over a proposal to allocate Warrap State’s Constituency No. 1 to the Abyei Administrative Area, arguing that the move would raise constitutional and administrative questions.
Hon. Mangok Gum Nyuol made the remarks in a statement posted on his official social media platforms following a briefing by Abyei Chief Administrator Hon. Charles Abyei Jok in Juba on preparations for South Sudan’s general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
During the briefing, Hon. Charles Abyei said President Salva Kiir Mayardit had assured the people of Abyei that they are citizens of South Sudan and would participate in the upcoming elections.
The Abyei chief administrator also said the President had approved his proposal for Abyei to receive representation through Warrap State’s Constituency No. 1, including women and party-list representation.
However, Hon. Mangok Gum disputed the proposal, saying Constituency No. 1 belongs to Warrap State and not the Abyei Administrative Area.
“The Abyei Administrative Area has its own administrative boundaries, and Constituency No. 1 is part of Warrap State. It should not be transferred to another administrative area,” Mangok said.
The lawmaker said while the President has constitutional responsibilities regarding national representation arrangements, such powers should not be interpreted as allowing the transfer of land or constituencies belonging to another state or community.
Mangok also challenged statements regarding voter registration during the 2010 elections, saying the South River Kiir area should not be considered part of Abyei.
“South River Kiir is not part of Abyei Administrative Area. It is land of Twic Mayardit in Warrap State,” he said.
The MP further responded to comments describing him as a “noisemaker,” saying his position was based on concerns about constitutional processes and peaceful coexistence.
“I am not a noisemaker. I am raising these concerns because honesty is important when discussing issues affecting our communities,” Mangok said.
He maintained that Warrap State’s Constituency No. 1 remains separate from Abyei Administrative Area, whose final political status continues to be subject to ongoing discussions.
The debate comes as South Sudan prepares for its first general elections since independence, with electoral boundaries, representation, and participation remaining key issues in the country’s transition process.
