The election to appoint a new Presiding Member of the Lambussie District Assembly ended inconclusively after two rounds of voting failed to produce a victor, prompting plans for a subsequent election within the next ten days.

The contentious race saw two prominent Assembly members vying for the leadership role: the incumbent Presiding Member and Assemblyman for Happa, Hon. Abubakari Abdul-Moomin, and the Assemblyman for Suki, Hon. Zimi Kanitii Pau. In the initial round, Hon. Abdul-Moomin garnered 16 votes, while Hon. Zimi led with 18 votes. Despite the lead, neither candidate reached the constitutional two-thirds majority required for victory, prompting a second vote.

The second round of voting resulted in Hon. Abdul-Moomin receiving 18 votes against Hon. Zimi’s 17, again falling short of the necessary threshold. As a result, the electoral process remains unresolved, with the Electoral Commission officer, Maxwell Fudzi Vanscoffy, announcing that a new election will be scheduled within the next ten days to break the deadlock.

Following the votes, Hon. Zimi expressed disappointment, acknowledging his lead but emphasizing that he did not meet the constitutional requirement. He urged fellow Assembly members to unite and support his bid for the position in subsequent rounds, emphasizing the importance of collective effort for effective governance.

Hon. Abdul-Moomin also addressed the assembly, cautioning against repeated inconclusive elections that could squander the Assembly’s time and resources. He highlighted his administration’s cooperation in supporting the confirmation of the District Chief Executive (DCE) and called on the opposition to reciprocate this spirit of collaboration. He emphasized that a spirit of compromise among members is essential to resolving the stalemate and successfully elect a Presiding Member.

Source: Info Radio