CHIEF Elections Officer Fern Narcis-Scope declares fresh elections for the electoral district of Lengua/Indian Walk.
This according to a release of the Elections and Bundaries Commission on Saturday.
It stated, “Fern Narcis-Scope, the Chief Election Officer, acting in accordance with Election Rule 101(15) of the Representation of the People Act, Chap. 2:01, has certified to the Returning Officer for the Electoral District of Lengua/Indian walk that the second recount, which occurred between August 17 th – 18 th , 2023 has resulted in an equality of votes cast between the candidates obtaining the most votes.
“The Returning Officer for this electoral district has declared the election void, pursuant to this certification by the Chief Election Officer, making way for fresh elections.”
This historic development, is as a result of the tie in the number of votes received by both the People’s National Movement’s and the United National Congress’ candidates in the Local Government Elections. The outcome remained unchanged after two recounts of the votes cast. Both candidates received 1,428 votes each, the release stated.
The first recount was conducted by the Returning Officer between Tuesday and Wednesday in accordance with Election Rule 101(1) of the Representation of the People Act, Chap. 2:01.
The second recount started on Thursday in accordance with Election Rule 101 (13) which states: “Where a final count results in an equality of votes between or among the candidates obtaining the most votes, the Chef Election Officer or an officer designated by him for the purpose shall conduct a recount not later than four days after the poll.”
