In a significant milestone for the Pujehun District Students Association (PuDSA), the national presidential election, initially marred by violence and disagreements in December last year, concluded peacefully on January 12, 2023.

The election witnessed history being made as two female candidates, Jeneba Massaquoi and Sombo Fortune, competed for the top position.

Students from Pujehun District currently enrolled in various tertiary institutions travelled to Pujehun Town to witness the election.

The election process, conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on January 12th, 2024, in accordance with Chapter 7 Section 27 (1) (2) (3) and (4) of the PuDSA national constitution, was closely monitored by aspirants’ nominated observers and other essential stakeholders.

The IEC reported that a total of 85 voters, representing 100% of the Final Delegate List, participated in the election. The results revealed that Sombo Fortune secured 51.76% of the total valid votes with 44 votes, while Jeneba Massaquoi received 48.24% with 41 votes of the valid votes cast. Notably, there were no recorded invalid votes.

In accordance with the authority vested in him by the PuDSA national constitution, Mohamed Caulker, the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, declared Sombo Fortune as the newly elected National President of PuDSA. This marks a historic moment as she becomes the first female president in the association’s history, signifying a positive step towards gender inclusivity and empowerment within the student body.