Cotabato City Village Chair Determined by Drawing of Lots After Tie in Votes

Cotabato City — Election officials have declared Omar Pasawilan the new village chair of Barangay Rosary Heights 3 through a drawing of lots.

According to Philippines News Agency, the unconventional method was employed after both Pasawilan and his rival, Sukarno Utto, received an equal number of 997 votes each in the recent election.

“This is allowed by law,” stated Manduyog, noting that a special election was not considered an option for breaking the tie. To mitigate any speculations of foul play, the drawing was conducted in the presence of candidates and media outlets. The event was also witnessed by Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao, Cotabato City PNP Director Col. Querubin Manalang Jr., and representatives from the Bangsamoro Free Election Movement at Media. The drawing took place around 3:30 p.m. at the Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School.

Upon the announcement of the results, Pasawilan celebrated his victory, while Utto, who appeared visibly stunned, accepted the outcome without uttering any comments. The two candidates hugged before parting ways.