Members of the Mahibadhoo Council have failed to elect a vice-president after six rounds of voting ended in deadlock.
The five newly elected councilors were sworn in on Friday. Under the Decentralization Act, councilors must elect a deputy at the first meeting following their swearing-in before the council can formally begin work.
Three candidates are contesting the position: MDP member Zaeema Mohamed, PNC member Mohamed Maumoon and independent councillor Bunyaamin Hassan.
In the first round of voting, Zaeema and Maumoon each secured two votes, while Bunyaamin received one vote.
Subsequent rounds narrowed the contest to Zaeema and Maumoon, but all five additional votes ended with the same outcome:
- Zaeema Mohamed – 2 votes
- Mohamed Maumoon – 2 votes
- Invalid vote – 1
The council has decided to hold another round of voting at 1pm today.
