No Byelection To Replace Bhangu

Merritt City Council has voted unanimously not to hold a byelection to fill the seat that was vacated my former City Councillor Mike Bhangu in December.

The issue was raised last night at Council`s regular monthly meeting.

On Dec. 13th, Bhangu announced his immediate resignation citing- “I do not have the confidence in Mayor Linda Brown’s ability to lead, or represent each council member fairly“.

Director of Corporate services Greg Lowis addressed council on Tuesday explaining that after consultations with province, an amendment to section 54 (1) of the Byelections Act has been issued which states a municipality may decide that a by-election is not to be held to fill a vacancy if all of the following circumstances apply:

(a) the municipality has made a declaration of a state of local emergency and

the declaration is in effect when a decision not to hold a by-election is made;

(b) the vacancy occurred before January 1, 2022;

(c) the number of remaining council members constitutes the quorum for the

municipality.

There will be civic elections to fill all six seats and for the mayoralty in October.