Efforts to elect Mabaruma’s first Mayor and Deputy Mayor yesterday ended in a stalemate as the APNU+AFC and PPP/C, which are evenly split on the town council each voted for their respective candidate.
The results of the March 18 local government elections saw the ruling APNU+AFC coalition and the opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) each gaining six seats on the 12-seat council of the new municipality.
Yesterday, when the councilors met to elect the Mayor, the PPP/C nominated Vibert Emmanuel, while the coalition nominated Henry Smith.
With each councillor voting for their group’s nominee, a majority vote could not be achieved.
The council will meet again next Tuesday in hopes of reaching a consensus.
