The Keta Municipal Assembly in the Volta region finds itself in a state of gridlock as its Assembly members have once again failed to elect a Presiding Member, marking the third consecutive unsuccessful attempt since the Assembly's recent inauguration.
In the latest polls, Mr. Wisdom Seadey, who ran unopposed after his main contender, Mr. Promise Kofi Baccah, withdrew from the race and garnered 17 yes votes, 11 no votes, and 5 rejected votes. However, these results fell short of the two-thirds majority required for Mr Seadey to assume the role of Presiding Member.
Mr. Rojah Avorgbedor, the Electoral Commission Officer at Keta, explained that according to the election regulations if candidates for the Presiding Member position fail to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in two consecutive run-offs within ten days, fresh nominations must be solicited.
With both Mr. Baccah and Mr. Seadey ineligible to participate in the next round of nominations unless no other member expresses interest, the Assembly faces uncertainty in filling the vacant position.
Residents who observed the proceedings expressed disappointment, fearing that the impasse could hinder the area's development agenda.
Mr. Seadey, while disheartened by the outcome, pledged to collaborate tirelessly with any individual who assumes the vacant position, emphasizing his commitment to serving the Assembly.
Prior to Mr. Baccah's withdrawal, he consistently garnered 13 votes compared to Mr. Seadey's 20 in previous elections.
Thirty-three eligible Assembly Members, including 22 elected assembly members, 10 government appointees, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), participated in the election, which ultimately ended without resolution.
The Assembly has adjourned until further notice, leaving some Assembly members concerned about the prolonged stalemate and its implications for governance and decision-making in the municipality.
