It rained over the entire Island on Sunday evening, as though it was cleaning the house for the new comers and the new government. But the today was a perfect day and voters were able to go out and vote for a new government without any hindrances from the weather
Unfortunately, although predictably, the results show 2 winners for the Movement for National Reconstruction in Bertrand Osborne, Southern and Adelina Tuitt, Eastern; 2 winners for People's Progressive Alliance in John Osborne, North-Western, former Chief Minister and new comer, Brunel Meade, Plymouth, the shocking surprise; Reuben Meade, outgoing Chief Minister, for National Progressive Party (NPP) and 2 independents in David Brandt, Windward taking 74% of the votes in his Constituency; and Rupert Weekes, Northern.
The results have left the electorate without a clear party winning and no one will know for some time at least for the next few hours who will form themselves in a coalition to form the new government. If they fail to do this another election will have to be called.
I was part of a panel on Radio Antilles discussing the election through the results and we discussed the many possible alliances, but as I write the one person who seems to hold a distinctive position is Rupert Weekes of Northern.
Already reports suggest that David Brandt, John Osborne and Brunel Meade headed north for discussions with him, but my understanding is that he had virtually commited himself to MNR who has already contacted Reuben Meade of NPP. In spite of John Osborne's success, it seems that might be the more likely foursome that might form the next government, although Adelina Tuitt, MNR was the first person to walk away from the NPP with whom she unsuccessfully contested the Eastern seat in 1991.
As of now therefore the possibles being looked at are: Bertrand Osborne, Adelina Tuitt, Reuben Meade and Rupert Weekes; or John Osborne, David Brandt, Brunel Meade and Rupert Weekes.
Brunel Meade was the upset of the election, beating Austin Bramble by only 18 votes, with all the other candidates in that constituency losing their deposits. (See Lee's Tracking Poll for names)
Several of the candidates lost their deposit of $200.00.