adminfailed to come up with a candidate.
This was Sadc’s turn to fill the powerful and influential post that became vacant after ILO director general, Mr Juan Somavia of Benin, indicated he was stepping down before the end of his tenure in 2014.
In an interview after returning from the ILO 321st governing body meeting in Geneva, international relations director in the Ministry of Labour and Social Service Mr Poem Mudyawabikwa, said the region would lose out the powerful post.
“As Africa we are not united as to which candidate to support, so we stand a chance to lose out on holding this powerful and influential post in the ILO after (Mr) Somavia announced leaving the organisation earlier than intended on personal grounds,” Mr Mudyawabikwa.
He said the post was declared vacant during the just ended ILO meeting.
“As Sadc we do not have consensus on a candidate,” said Mr Mudyawabikwa.
“If we had a candidate we would then present him or her to our leaders and Presidents for endorsement before the next ILO governing boy meeting in May when voting takes place.”
A new ILO director general is elected every five years by the governing body.
Subject to the instructions of the governing body, the director general is responsible for the efficient conduct of the International Labour Organisation office and other duties as may be assigned.
Mr Somavia was elected to serve as the ninth director general of the ILO by the governing body in 1998.
His term of office began on 4 March 1999 when he became the first representative from the Southern hemisphere to head the organisation.
Mr Somavia was re-elected for a second five-year term in March 2003 and for a third term on 18 November 2008.
Mr Somavia was the first African to hold the post of ILO director general.
Online Reporter