Lots give UNC Rio Claro control

The draw was described by deputy House Speaker Hedwige Bereaux as “a failure of politics” adding that the UNC victory came after elected councillors voted according to party lines and did not collaborate to elect a chairman.

The Corporation was split after the UNC and PNM won three electoral districts each in the 2003 Local Government elections. The UNC won control after lots were drawn. With the one-year extention granted to the life of all Regional and City Corporations lots had to be again drawn for the election of two aldermen in the council.

That election, which took place last Friday, did not break the deadlock as both parties’ secret ballot vote for two aldermen, resulted in a tie. The tie continued yesterday after both parties were asked to elect a presiding officer to draw the ballots for selection of a chairman. The officer would have a casting vote. Section 14 (3) of the Municipal Corporations Act states that the election of mayor or chairman must be presided over by a councillor or alderman who “is not a candidate for the Mayor” or chairman.

Before a packed corporation chamber which included UNC deputy political leader Jack Warner, Nariva MP Harry Partap and Fyzabad MP Chandresh Sharma, the swearing-in of the two aldermen — outgoing chairman Ramlochan Panchoo and the PNM’s Avin Moonan — took place.

Ballots were then drawn for the selection of a presiding officer. A hush descended in the chamber when PNM alderman Moonan was asked to pull the name from the ballot box. To thunderous applause, the PNM councillor drew the name of UNC councillor Ramlogan, from the ballot box.

Ramlogan took his seat as presiding officer and it was a foregone conclusion, the PNM declining to submit any nominations for chairmanship. Panchoo was then nominated unopposed and returned as chairman.