Thyolo District Council has failed to elect its new chairperson after two candidates tied during all three rounds of voting held on Wednesday.
The contest was between former council chairperson George Jailosi of Ntundaosema Ward in Thyolo Goliati Constituency and Chifundo Loudon Thuthuwa from Zoa Ward in Thyolo Masambanjati Constituency, both representing the governing Democratic Progressive Party.
Presenting his priorities, Thuthuwa said he would promote cooperation between councillors and the council in implementing development projects.
He also pledged to ensure equitable distribution of development projects across communities and promote transparency in the council’s operations.
exercise. | Ted likombola
Jailosi, on his part, said he would continue putting in place measures to improve the council’s revenue collection, particularly by ensuring the completion of Thyolo Stadium.
All 16 councillors participated in the election, with each candidate securing eight votes in the first round.
The second and third rounds of voting also ended in a tie, with both candidates maintaining their eight votes, leaving the council unable to elect a new chairperson.
Following the deadlock, Thyolo district commissioner Noel Dakamau suspended the election until a later date and brought the mandate of the outgoing chairperson to an end.
Speaking after the voting exercise, Dakamau expressed disappointment that the councillors failed to elect a new chairperso.
In his remarks, Senior Chief Mphuka said the leadership impasse risks reversing development gains in the district.
