Presumptive Chair Mark Goring Says Legal Delays Stalling Process; President Ali Urges Adherence to Procedures
By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly news |
Presumptive Region 10 Chairman Mark Goring says there is “no reason to grill the President” on the ongoing delay that has prevented the swearing-in of the region’s Chair and Vice Chair— but maintains the situation is “disappointing, unacceptable, and long overdue.”
Goring, who was expected to take the oath of office following his party’s victory in Region 10, told reporters that the continued stalemate stems from unresolved legal matters.
“There is a delay on the legal side of the proceedings,” he explained.
“We wrote, we protested, we tried all different things. But attempts to get the matter resolved have fallen on deaf ears.”
He added that the party’s legal representative is currently engaged in other matters and that the region’s political machinery must now step in fully to address the issue.
Nine Regions Sworn In — Except Region 10
On Thursday, President Irfaan Ali administered the oath of office to Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons from nine of the ten administrative regions, with Region 10 being the sole exception.
Goring said the absence of Region 10 representatives at the ceremony was particularly worrying.
“It is disappointing to see every other region moving forward while Region 10 remains stuck. The REO has made no announcement to restart or conclude the process. We are just waiting.”
According to Goring, Region 10’s internal election process remains incomplete, with “two more rounds” needed before a Chair and Vice Chair can officially be sworn in.
President Ali Says Due Process Must Prevail
When asked about the delay, President Ali emphasized that constitutional procedures must be respected.
“Within the ambit of the Constitution and the rules governing these elections, the Chair and Vice Chair of Region 10 will be sworn in at the appropriate time, once their elections conclude,” the President assured.
With the impasse now stretching on, residents of Region 10 are eagerly awaiting clarity and closure so that the region’s governance structure can be fully operational.
