Africa-Press – Ghana. The Amansie South District Assembly in the Ashanti region failed to elect a Presiding Member after two rounds of voting, raising concerns about potential delays in administrative and development activities within the district.
The election, which was supervised by the Electoral Commission, was between Mr Augustine Fosu Asamoah and Mr Edward Amo.
In the first round of voting, Mr Asamoah secured 19 votes, while Mr Amo had 18 votes out of the total 37 votes cast.
Neither of the candidates was able to secure the required two-third majority to secure victory.
A second round of voting yielded the same outcome, with Asamoah again polling 19 votes and Mr. Edward Amo receiving 18 votes, resulting in another deadlock.
Following the inconclusive results, the Electoral Commission has officially rescheduled the election to take place in ten days’ time, in accordance with electoral procedures governing such impasses.
Mr Benjamin Marfo, the Municipal Chief Executive, speaking to journalists after the elections, expressed concern over the development, but noted that such situations were not unprecedented.
He cited a similar occurrence in the neighboring Manso Nkwanta District, where a Presiding Member was eventually elected after initial setbacks.
Mr Marfo emphasized the critical role of a Presiding Member in the functioning of the Assembly, warning that the absence of one could stall official meetings and negatively impact development initiatives within the district.
“An Assembly without a Presiding Member cannot effectively conduct its business.
This situation, if prolonged, will affect time management, finances, meetings, and ultimately the development of the district,” he stated.
He, however, expressed optimism that consensus would be reached during the next sitting.
“I strongly believe that in the next ten days, we will be able to elect a Presiding Member to move the district forward,” he added.
Some Assembly members and the two contestants also shared their disappointment over the outcome, describing the situation as unfortunate but not insurmountable. They pledged to engage further with colleagues and work towards achieving a successful election in the next round.
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