The city of Berberati elected its new mayor on June 6, though the electoral process has been contested amid allegations of irregularities. Thérèse Kamach, who was elected a councilor in the 1st arrondissement, has denounced issues with the mayoral election. Ms. Kamach stated that she was elected councilor in the 1st arrondissement. Kamach stated, "J’ai été élue conseillère dans le 1 er arrondissement. On devait élire les conseillers et les candidats qui veulent se présenter au poste de maire. Cependant, j’ai constaté des irrégularités et j’ai vu que les choses n’étaient pas vraiment conformes. C’est pour cela que j’ai préféré prendre les devants et sortir. Ils ont voté en mon absence." Her statement indicates she withdrew from the process due to perceived non-compliance with procedures. Thérèse Kamach specifically denounces irregularities in the electoral process, casting a shadow over the outcome.
Election Process and Vote Count
Four candidates initially contested the mayoral position in Berberati. The competition saw several individuals vying for the leadership role in the municipality. Andiba Daguerre, who previously served as a deputy of the locality, ultimately secured the mayoral seat. He was elected with 6 votes out of the 21 municipal councilors, indicating a closely contested outcome among the elected officials. Upon his election, Mr. Daguerre outlined his immediate priorities. "Ma première priorité, c’est d’abord ma population," Daguerre stated, emphasizing a focus on the populace and their needs. He added, "Ensuite, en commun accord avec les conseillers et mes adjoints, nous devons conjuguer nos efforts pour relever les défis," indicating a collaborative approach with councilors and deputies to address challenges facing the city, noting the importance of collective action in governance.
Outgoing Mayor's Objections
The outgoing mayor, Thérèse Kamach, contests the results of the ballot for the Berberati mayoral election. Ms. Kamach stated that she was elected councilor in the 1st arrondissement, a position that would typically grant her a vote in the mayoral selection. She claimed to have observed irregularities during the proceedings, which led to her departure before the vote was finalized. Ms. Kamach stated she left the room after observing these irregularities. "J’ai été élue conseillère dans le 1 er arrondissement. On devait élire les conseillers et les candidats qui veulent se présenter au poste de maire. Cependant, j’ai constaté des irrégularités et j’ai vu que les choses n’étaient pas vraiment conformes. C’est pour cela que j’ai préféré prendre les devants et sortir. Ils ont voté en mon absence," Kamach said, explaining her decision to leave the room. Her statement indicates the vote proceeded without her presence after she withdrew due to perceived non-compliance with established procedures, raising questions about the legitimacy of the process in her view.
Criticism of Press Exclusion
The mayoral vote in Berberati proceeded behind closed doors, without the presence of local journalists. This decision to exclude the media from observing such a critical public process has drawn significant criticism. Several local actors have criticized this exclusion of journalists from the voting room, expressing concerns about transparency and accountability. These actors assert that preventing journalists from observing the proceedings constitutes an impediment to press freedom, hindering the public's right to information. The absence of media oversight has raised questions regarding the transparency of the electoral process, particularly given the ongoing allegations of irregularities surrounding the election. This action has drawn scrutiny from within the community regarding access to information for the public, with many believing that open access for the press is key for democratic processes. Local actors believe the exclusion of the press constitutes an impediment to press freedom, undermining the principles of open governance.
Incoming Mayor's Priorities
Andiba Daguerre, the former deputy of the locality, was elected mayor and outlined his immediate goals. Mr. Daguerre stated, "Ma première priorité, c’est d’abord ma population. Ensuite, en commun accord avec les conseillers et mes adjoints, nous devons conjuguer nos efforts pour relever les défis," emphasizing a collaborative approach with councilors and deputies to address local challenges. His focus on the populace and collective effort suggests an agenda aimed at community engagement and problem-solving. As he steps into his new role, the incoming mayor faces the immediate task of uniting the municipal council and addressing the concerns raised during the contested election process, while also working towards the development of Berberati.
