Liverpool City Council chief executive officer Jason Breton has announced that Labor candidate Zeli Munjiza has been formally elected to fill the vacancy in South Ward created by the resignation of former deputy mayor Betty Green.
Mr Breton acknowledged the outcome of the April 18 by-election, conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission, and welcomed councillor-elect Munjiza to Liverpool City Council.
“On behalf of Liverpool City Council, I congratulate Councillor‑elect Zeli Munjiza on her election and welcome her to council,” said Mr Breton, pictured above with Ms Munjiza.
“As the head of council’s operational arm, the staff and I look forward to keep serving the people of Liverpool, as guided and directed by our councillors and mayor.”
Councillor-elect Munjiza will be formally inducted next Monday, May 11, and will take her place at the regular May meeting of council.
Ms Munjiza received 24,086 votes after all preferences were distributed.
This gave her a thumping victory over her main rival, Liberal Party candidate, Azam Dabbagh, who received a total of 13,982 votes after preferences.
Speaking following the declaration of the election result, councillor-elect Munjiza thanked residents for their support.
“I am so grateful to the people of South Ward who have placed their trust in me,” she said.
“I look forward to focusing on the things that matter most to our community: the basic services that people expect and deserve.
“That means cleaning up our streets, parks are looked after, and community facilities are protected and improved.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running and work with the community and council to deliver real improvements across Liverpool,” she said.
The Liberal Party mayor of Liverpool Ned Mannoun also congratulated Ms Munjiza on her election victory.