The Hamilton County Election Commission has called an emergency meeting on the issue of whether there should be a runoff for the close District 9 City Council race.
The meeting will be Thursday at 8 a.m.
Former City Councilman Yusuf Hakeem got six more votes than incumbent Peter Murphy. However, there were seven write-in votes so that Mr. Hakeem did not get over 50 percent. They were the only candidates.
Chairman Mike Walden said a final decision may not be made until later because of issues over whether there was enough notice given for the special called meeting, but he said it was felt necessary for the commission members to discuss it.
He said a second meeting may be necessary before a final decision is made by the panel.
He said the issue is a complicated one. "Once again, there is a conflict in the city charter. One issue is the definition of a 'candidate.' We may also have to look at state law."
Councilman Murphy said on election night it was clear there should be a runoff.