Contention brewing over control of Clarendon Municipal Corporation

Contention is brewing between the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) and the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) on who should be in control of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation following yesterday's by-election.

The PNP regained control of the Aenon Town division after its candidate Delroy Dawson narrowly defeated the JLP's Suzette Barton by 56 votes, according to preliminary counts from the Electoral Office of Jamaica.

Dawson polled 1,646 votes to Barton's 1,592, in a voter turnout of 46.8%.

This victory for the PNP balances the municipal corporation evenly with 11 divisions each between the party and JLP.

Additionally, the PNP has marginally pulled ahead in the popular vote across the division, further fuelling the debate over control of the local authority.

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JLP Mayor of May Pen Joel Williams is adamant that despite the tie the leadership of the municipal corporation will not change.

"According to the law nothing will change. If it was a general parish council election then that could happen, but in this circumstance, once the Mayor is appointed, the Mayor will continue his period of mayorship," Williams told The Gleaner.

He emphasised that any shift in control would require extraordinary circumstances, such as a no-confidence vote or a councillor crossing the floor to join the PNP.

However, PNP General Secretary Dayton Campbell holds a different view, arguing that with the party having the popular vote from the by-election this should see the PNP taking control of the corporation.

He called for the resignation of Williams, suggesting that democratic principles should guide the leadership of the municipality.  

"Well, I believe in a democratic system; that's my view. That is what the legislation states," said Campbell.

"In good spirit of a democratic system, if it is 11/11 and one side has the popular votes, then you must resign so we can appoint a new chairman of the municipal corporation," he asserted.

Campbell hinted that the PNP may pursue legal action to resolve any impasse and ensure fair representation of the majority popular vote. 

- Ruddy Mathison