“Our state is missing the mind of an intellectual, the heart of a mother, the love of a leader, the tools of a trained teacher and the skills of a development-oriented, forward-facing community organizer that Ms. Malek is endowed with,” Jok said.
Jok’s endorsement comes as South Sudan prepares for the December general elections, with political discussions intensifying over potential candidates and leadership priorities ahead of the polls.
Malek previously served as governor of Warrap State for five years, from 2010, following the Sudan general election, until she was relieved from office in 2015.
She made history as South Sudan’s first female elected state governor and remains Warrap State’s longest-serving governor.
Her previous experience in government, education and community development has continued to shape her public profile as discussions grow over the future leadership of Warrap State.
Jok described Malek as possessing a combination of intellectual leadership, compassion, professional training and development-oriented community engagement that he believes could benefit the state.
Malek is not the current governor of Warrap State. Any return to the governorship would therefore mark a comeback to the state’s highest elected office.
As the December elections approach, political endorsements such as Jok’s are likely to contribute to broader discussions about leadership, governance and development priorities in Warrap State.
