| PNP's Blake still leading recount |
| Observer Reporter Wednesday, October 30, 2002 |
BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth -- The People's National Party's (PNP's) Lenworth Blake picked up another 99 votes compared to the additional 95 secured by his Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) opponent, Franklin Witter, at the end of day two of a magisterial recount to determine the winner of the South-East St Elizabeth constituency in the October 16 general elections.
Yesterday's count increased Blake's lead to 86, four more than the official count gave him after the elections and which triggered the recount.
With only 87 disputed ballots from 32 boxes left to be counted, PNP lead counsel Walter Scott yesterday appeared confident that Blake was sure to be declared the winner of the seat today by Resident Magistrate Marlene Malahoo-Forte at the end of the recount.
But a member of the JLP's legal team refused to endorse Scott's observation, saying "just do the Mathematics and make your conclusion, it's not finished yet. There are some 32 boxes left to be counted".
The JLP, as was the case on Monday, was represented by a battery of lawyers. In addition, two of the party's deputy leaders -- Audley Shaw and Edmund Bartlett -- as well as Bruce Golding and Delroy Chuck were present.