The Elections of Chairman for the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 ended in a deadlock after both candidates for the position of Regional Chairman, APNU’s Dominique Blair and WIN’s Mark Goring received equal number of votes from elected Councillors.

A Total of 18 Councillors were sworn in today, 9 for the WIN party, 5 for the APNU, 3 for the PPP and 1 for FGM.

It appeared as though the Councillors for the PPP and FGM supported the APNU Candidate for the Chairmanship.
The elections were presided over by Regional Executive Officer of the region, Dwight John, who announced the adjournment of today’s session due to the deadlock.
John explained that because of the tie, the Minister of local Government, Priya Manickchand, will have to reconvene another meeting which she will preside over and have the casting vote should there be another tie.

“We have a tie as it relates to the Election of a Chairman for region No. 10, and according to Chapter 28:09 of the Local Government and Regional Development Act, the power his vested in the Minister him/her after being written to by the RDC explaining what has happened today, this afternoon’s proceedings we will have to adjourn until a later date when the pronouncements have been made by the Minister of Local Government for us to reconvene and carry on the other elections of a Vice Chairman and when she give her casting vote, then we will be able to proceed with the election of a Vice Chairman,” John explained.

The WIN Candidates protested the move and were heard saying that there should have been a run-off of the elections immediately, but the REO held firm that the law provides for a special meeting to be called by the local government minister to resolve the impasse.

Although the WIN party secured the majority of Votes in the region, it was not enough to ensure an outright majority on the Council.

The party needed at least one additional vote to help it secure the Chairmanship.
The APNU’s Dominique Blair currently holds the position of Deputy Mayor of Linden, while Mark Goring served as the last Vice Chairman of Region 10.

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