By Sue-Ann Wayow

RECOUNTS of ballots for two constituencies have been completed.

The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) confirmed that the recount of ballots from the April 28 general election for Malabar/Mausica and Arouca/Lopinot was completed by Saturday.

The details were released by the EBC “following a comprehensive and transparent recount process”, the EBC stated via media releases on Saturday.

The recount was conducted in full accordance with established electoral laws and procedures, pursuant to Election Rule 101, due to a formal request by the United National Congress (UNC) for general recounts, including poll card verifications, in three constituencies.

 The results of the Malabar/Mausica recount had a marginal adjustment in vote totals and were recorded as follows:

 • PNM – 7,691

 • UNC – 7,437

 • Patriotic Front (PF) – 834

• Rejected Ballots – 45

The PNM’s Dominic Romain won this seat by 254 votes.

The original preliminary results released by the EBC were: PNM – 7690, UNC-7,428, PF – 834 and rejected ballots – 48.

Dominic Smith who was the UNC’s choice to contest the Malabar/Mausica seat was sworn in on Saturday as a senator and thereafter as Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence.

Dr Natalie Chaitan-Maharaj who contested the Arouca/Lopinot seat was also sworn in as a senator and thereafter Parliamentary Secretary in Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services.

The final certified vote count for Arouca/Lopinot is as follows:

• PNM – 7,958

• UNC – 7,699

• PF – 537

• NTA – 146

• Rejected Ballots – 41

The PNM’s Marvin Gonzales won this seat by 259 votes.

The original preliminary results released by the EBC were : PNM – 7,961, UNC -7,699, PF-538, National Transformation Alliance (NTA) – 146 and 37 rejected ballots.

The recount in the San Fernando East constituency is still underway. Further updates will be issued as necessary, the EBC stated.