KWAEBIBIREM MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY FAIL TO ELECT PRESIDING MEMBER AFTER FOUR ROUNDS OF VOTING ON MARCH 8, 2024

KWAEBIBIREM MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY FAIL TO ELECT PRESIDING MEMBER AFTER FOUR ROUNDS OF VOTING

On February 12, 2024, the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly met in order to begin the crucial process of choosing a Presiding Member. In addition to aiding decision-making processes and serving in numerous positions as the assembly's representative, the Presiding Member is essential to assembly operations.

The recently elected and appointed assembly members were sworn in to start the proceedings. Their official duties as representatives of the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly officially began with this ceremonial occasion.

Honorable Owusu Rexford, Eric Abrokwah, and Isaac Kofi Amoako were the three contenders who submitted their nominations for the Presiding Member post. Two voting rounds were held by the assembly to choose the Presiding Member. But despite their best efforts, neither candidate was able to receive the two-thirds majority of votes required by the assembly's rules. The assembly resolved to postpone the election process in compliance with the guidelines provided by the Local Government Act. This adjournment permitted more discussions and voting to occur within a designated 10-working-day period.

The assembly met again on February 23, 2024, following the specified time frame, to continue the election of the Presiding Member. Both candidates faced the electorate once more. In spite of their best efforts, no contender was able to secure the required two-thirds majority of the votes.

The Honorable Akoten Mensah, the Honorable Mumuni Zakari Abdul-Mumin, and the Honorable Addo Lovece submitted new nominations to run for the post in light of the disappointing election results. The election for the newly nominated candidates was conducted by the assembly. On the other hand, Honorable Mumuni Zakari Abdul-Mumin received 11 votes, while Honorable Akoten Mensah received 20 out of 31. Of the 31 total votes cast, 21 were needed for a two-thirds majority vote, which was not achieved by any of the contenders.

The Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly is presently without a properly elected person to hold the office due to the failure to elect a Presiding Member despite several voting rounds and new candidates. The inability to choose a Presiding Member serves as a reminder of the difficulties and nuances that come with democracy, especially when it comes to local government systems. In order to break the deadlock and guarantee the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly operates as intended, it is imperative that all parties involved have positive conversations and work together.