Posted By: Reds On: 2/20/2010

Title: Confused

What does it actually cost the parties involve and what does it cost the government at the end of a pocess such as this? Is there a provision in the constitution where an election be it a General or Bye Election can be called null and void and if so will it be more feasible rather than an election court process?
Am really not sure so anyone with the expertise please assist me with some answers. Thank you.

Posted By: Time to grow up Bahamas On: 2/20/2010

Title: WHY GO TO COURT?

If we operate on the premise that every vote counts and it is important to vote, then if a person's vote is challenged at the polls it is important that this is investigated and clarified, because if that person is legitimate his vote is important and should count. Otherwise the parties in an election can frustrate the election process by challenging all perceived opposition votes. I agree with the PLP on this one, "FIGHT TO PROTECT MY VOTE!"

Posted By: Time to grow up Bahamas On: 2/20/2010

Title: HOPING FOR A TIE

The PLP, FNM and the Returning officer can all do this country a favour. The five protest voters are known to all parties, we all know they voted PLP, I am sure by now the parties themselves have done their investigations to check the validity of the voters, so both parties at this time know the truth. If three or more of the voters are valid, the FNM should concede on Monday, if only one is is the PLP should concede, if two are...then we are in a quandary. If we follow this reasoning, other than their being a tie, we can swear in a new MP next week, and leave this comical episode behind us!

Posted By: Wendell Whylly On: 2/20/2010

Title: Disrespecting Bahamain Democracy

In many ways, the Elizabeth Bye- Election has brought about an opportunity for both the FNM and PLPs to observe democracy at work. To all you wisematics out there, our forefathers would not have created a "Parliamentary Act" to protect the rights of those that may become questionable. Chill and watch the beauty of democracy at work for the disenfranchise.

Posted By: Takeover On: 2/20/2010

Title: Propoganda is king

The sad part is most people have to rely on second hand information to form thier opinons. As a person who worked the polls from 4 a.m. in the morning until the last vote was counted on Tuesday the 16th I can honestly tell you that in my polling division it was the FNM and not the PLP, BDM, NDP or WP who challenged most of the voters and for the most insignificant of reasons. Yet they claim to stand on the principles of democracy. It was clear that when a person who they (FNM) were not sure of their vote came to the polls they challenged. Not for the sake of democracy but to better their chance of a victory. Thats how the game is played fair enough I can accpet that but then don't go on a national media forum and call the other parties petty when it was you behind the closed doors of the polls who did the very same things you now cry foul about. I was also at Thelma Gibson for many hours on the days following and I can say that the media seem to portray the PLP in a less favourable light than the FNM even going as far as to say it was the PLP who instigated some of the confrontations when the truth of the matter is that both parties' die hard supporters engaged in highlty charged emotional yet understandable banter back and forth. Yes some words were exchanged and not the most hygenic of words on many occasions but fair is fair it came from both sides. Anyway it seems as if the media giants have a bias in the form of a disdain for the PLP which is unfortunate as the media's job is to be impartial. The third estate can be a nation building tool if properly utilised or it can be a tool of one-sided propoganda that leads to mis information and ultimatley ignorance. My only comfort is that one maxim that we all know to be true "you can fool some of the people some of the time but you cant fool all the people all of the time". ------- People don't be fooled hope is on the way.

Posted By: Suggestion box On: 2/19/2010

Title: @Paco Nunez

Is it possible to make a by-election page on the website where all of the relevant articles regarding same and the candidates are on one page. I have been wanting to go re-read older articles and have trouble finding them. Also, I just read the excellent article on the process of renouncing US citizenship. Is it possible for the Tribune to do some in-depth reporting on Dr. Duane Sands and Ryan Pinder, background, history, etc.? I think that now that this is in Election Court, we can all use the time wisely to learn a lot more about both candidates as we know national elections are on the horizon. I would like to know more about what both candidates did in the US and would like to see which candidate is most accessible and forthcoming about information about themselves to the Tribune.

Posted By: Correction On: 2/19/2010

Title: Correction

I just learned that the 5 protest votes would have been treated as challenged votes if the 5 persons agreed to take an Oath on the Bible prior to voting. So, these 5 people refused to take an Oath. Then, their votes were made on protest ballots.

Posted By: Island On: 2/19/2010

Title: MP jobs program!

“Mr. Speaker, I rise on behave of the good people of …”
These are the words that usually precede the long rhetorical diatribe from members of parliament. It’s given to solute the “masters” of the perceived servants of the people. Now that Malcolm Adderley has tendered his resignation from active politics to pursue a seat on the bench, we have been presented with another opportunity to look into a system of patronage, opportunistic side deals and, in this case, blatant party insurrection.
Mr. Adderley has proven himself to be a person overly guided by self interest through his actions and ignored his core mission as an elected individual. He had the opportunity to clarify what made his relationship with his party so strained, but after starting his farewell speech by summarizing his seven year big accomplishments as four parks and a computer lab, he continued with a speech full of general statements, innuendoes and pseudonyms instead of being direct with statements of fact. So where does this leave WE the people? Right where we were before- guessing. So, if true, the premise of his non-participation in party caucus over the years is a manifestation of his resentment for not receiving a Cabinet post is immature and shows that being petty is a trait for party nomination. His time in parliament as a representative was overshadowed by the cat and mouse game that is too common in our legislative system and his would-be opponents, the Free National Movement, came to his aide through a press release that is nothing short of insulting:-
“The Free National Movement totally rejects the suggestion made by PLP Leader Perry Christie, and the Chairman of that party, Bradley Roberts, that there has been manipulation of the Constitution in connection with the resignation from the House of Assembly of Malcolm Adderley, MP for Elizabeth Estates…Furthermore, all their talk about politicizing the courts is rubbish. It is the policy of the FNM Government and, we believe, of the Judicial Services Commission, to find qualified judges to serve in our high courts regardless of political affiliation.
That is why the Commission recommended the appointment of Mrs. Ruby Nottage to serve as a Justice, presumably with no objections from Mr. Ingraham. There was public unease about that appointment not because she was PLP-affiliated but because of an alleged problem with the American Government.”
What Mr. Bethel’s press release and his party fails to understand, or have no regards for, is that WE THE PEOPLE VOTED FOR DIFFERENT, NOT MORE OF THE SAME. If your predecessor did what you are doing and they were voted out of office for doing it why would you continue with the same process and justify your actions by making reference to the failings of your counterpart.
Until we demand substantial constitutional change in the way we conduct, elect and appoint members of the Judiciary and Legislative branch, being a member of parliament will always be little more than a jobs program for ambitious individuals, usually lawyers, to advance their careers. However, in the “Adderley saga”, the Prime Minister, being a social-colonialist, has taken this program a bit further by granting future “has-been” party supporters and sympathizers the opportunity, nay, the right to serve as judges in a judicial system already operating on low credibility and suspect of perceived failings, which is contributing to the notion of a failed state. Malcolm Adderley will now join the ranks of Michael Barnett, Claire Hepburn and Ronda Bain. What this Prime Minister is doing is nothing short of contempt, however the letter of law is on his side and as he has said time and time again when asked why he makes the decisions he makes, his answer is simple, clear and legally unchallengeable – because he can! However the spirit of the law never accounted for any prime minister to act in such a blatant manner as we see here. It does not matter how talented these people may be with regards to legal execution. Justice must still be seen to be administered in as fair a manner as can be administered, but when any prime minister carries out a barefaced crony stuffing exercise we end up with a system tainted with question marks and asterisks, leaving users of the system with negative anxiety.
So, if, as stated by the FNM press release, persons they place on the bench are “qualified Bahamians” then one would think that a proper transparent system should have been in place by now so that these qualified Bahamians can be inducted into a legal system based on a public review of personal historical records by a body of persons independent to the reaches of any individual prime minister. Until such a system is created we will continue to have moments like the “Adderley saga” where a Prime Minister can oversee a parliamentary jobs program that can see you rewarded with positions of influence should you decide to kowtow behind the leader. And why is this possible? It’s very simple…because he can!?

Posted By: FACTSAREFACTS On: 2/19/2010

Title: Protest Votes to court

I want to commend the voters of Elizabeth Estates, who have been called grass roots. Now people can see that the people of Elizabeth Estates are not longer letting the PLP fool them, they are intelligent, smart individuals, who willl not be enticed by hand-outs and empty promises. The people of Elizabeth
EStates know what it takes to make a living for themselves and family. The people of Elizabteh Esates knows that there are Government Departments that they can go to for help, if and when they become unemployed, EE voters know that it is wroing to purchase stolen goods from known criminals, and that if they are approached by one, they will telephone the authorities; EE voters know that Governments are not responsible for your jobs, but rather they create the environment for job creation, EE voters know that the PLP think they are stupid, dumb and uneducated people! Well they have spoken. The FNM is the Government of choice, because they can be trusted, Hubert Ingraham is a man of integrity, and he ensures that all on his team are doing their jobs, and if not, he deals directly with the problem, thats good leadership, and something Perry willl never have. To the PLP and Perry, stop embarassing the country and move on!

Posted By: Island On: 2/19/2010

Title: @Paco Nunez, Tribune News

The message on Everyday Island is not a money making effort like the tribune...its just a blog to increase discussion...if u want the link to stop thats cool...i will just copy and paste the content of the blog...i dont are about visits to the blog...my concern is getting people to think about the content and the message and stimulating conversation about how we can get the bahamas working again...and THAT YOU CAN NEVER PUT A PRICE ON TRIBUNE

Posted By: Smart Bahamian On: 2/19/2010

Title: challenge votes

PLP and Perry have no credibility left! My God, who on earth would put this party in power, when the present Government is doing an excellent job thus far! Bahamians are like this....when they vote for a party..they expect favors, and when they are told they have to go through the legal and normal procedures to get anything, they get vex and start calling the Government names, etc. This clearly shows that they are not looking at the country as a whole, but rather a selfish bunch of ungrateful people! There are those that swing from FNM to PLP, based on if they got something for their vote, you call them Men/Women without Intergrity,opportunist! There are those who vote based on issues and good character, those who are well read, and educated, you call this group Objective forward thinkers, who only have the best interest of the entire Bahamas, I go with the later, and the later are FNM voters, who know the truth, and, as always the PLP, Opportunist! In 2012, bahamians will vote again for the best and trusted party, FNM!

Posted By: TISM On: 2/19/2010

Title: You don't need to be an MP to make a difference

Oh yea and they do have the money to do it without being MP's.

Posted By: TISM On: 2/19/2010

Title: everybody's an expert

The cry for democracy is really getting old. I support neither PLP or FNM but I am for a better Bahamas where people do not just regurgitate what politicians say but really think about what is going on here. I was not blaming the PLP all I said that every person that offered for representing this constituency should go about implementing the community programs, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the other things they sold the electorate during the campaign regardless of whether they win. Let's stop thinking and talking along party lines and make them earn our trust, we have been bamboozled long enough.

Posted By: Paco Nunez, Tribune News Editor On: 2/19/2010

Title: @ Island

We would like to ask the host of everydayisland.blogspot.com to kindly stop advertising his or her blog on this website. If you would like to advertise on tribune242.com, please contact our advertising department.

Posted By: Bim On: 2/19/2010

Title: BYE ELECTION

plp's really believe God gave this country to them, So any other party do not have a voice, Come on now!

Posted By: i got the scoop On: 2/19/2010

Title: @DW

how do you know what changed and what didn't? they were allegedly taken off the register for some reason or another, the judge will determine why and if they will be considered valid votes.

Posted By: DW On: 2/19/2010

Title:

@ I got the scoop
Thanks for your clarification..now this strenghthens my point even more..the register never changed..only new persons who moved into the area were added to the register, no one was taken off...like I said before I voted in Elizabeth last election and my name WAS still on the register...interesting..HMMMM!!

Posted By: PLP strong supporter On: 2/19/2010

Title: Do you think Ryan and Duane should both shared the seat for Elizabeth?

Come on, FNM you are already in government if you lose you still is the government. PLP if you lose or win this seat, this will not earn you the government. right now I agree with the person who went by TISM, So if you can't accept or agree that we as PLP have lost the seat why don't put forth to the prime minister that you willing to share the seat with Duane instead of going to election because it's only two years they might hold it. Like TISM said if Duane and Ryan want to care for the residents for Elizabeth then go into parliament without the titl M.P or go as Co-M.P. simple as dat aye. What do you all think? Should they do this or should they go to election court?

Posted By: i got the scoop On: 2/19/2010

Title: @dw

sorry let me clarify, they were on the 2007 register but not the one for the by-election, thats why they were protested. they did all hold voter cards so were able to vote.

Posted By: dw On: 2/19/2010

Title:

@ i got the scoop
So why were they protested?

Posted By: i got the scoop On: 2/19/2010

Title: 5 protest vote

They all voted in 2007 and were on the register and still reside at the same address in Elizabeth.

Posted By: Reds On: 2/19/2010

Title: Used to live in Lizzy

DW, I absolutely agree with you......I used to live there and no longer, but my name is on the register.HMMMMMMMMMM exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember who was responsible for the register just before the 2007 general election is wasn't the FNM.

Posted By: ? On: 2/19/2010

Title: ?

"If the votes are protest votes obviously there is a good reason they are, why go so far into it wasting the publics money and time in court." - Annoyed Bahamian
Clearly very few of you have any knowledge how a protest vote is created, it merely takes a concern raised by a participating party that is accepted by the presiding officer. The litmus test therefore is not very high, so no, just because a protest vote is a protest vote it does not mean that the grounds are sound or correct.
In order for our democracy to grow and develop, we should not allow our views to be coloured by our political preference.

Posted By: DW On: 2/19/2010

Title: Used to live in Lizzy!

@ Test case They probably never lived in Elizabeth, I used to live in Elizabeth and my name WAS on the register....think about it, they all voted PLP...HMMMMM!!!!

Posted By: Sammy T On: 2/19/2010

Title: @ Test Case

The basis for the protest ballots is those five people weren't on the register for Elizabeth, but showed up with voters cards anyway. The speculation is that they used to live in Lizzy, but not anymore

Posted By: Reds On: 2/19/2010

Title: Misleading who???????????

Please Legal Eagal who is misleading the public? Obviously, you are confused just like the PLP"s. Mr. Sands said " Bring it on" I never heard him declare himself as the member elect. He further stated that they the PLP's have a difficult time winning on the ground so they the PLP turn to the courts, and they have failed misreably there.
If the same register for the 2007 was used and these so call voters voted in the general elction (legally) and their names appeared in 2007 and two years later in the bye election their names are NO where on the register to date maybe its not the registration department we need to look into maybe we need to investigate the individuals and find out weather they actually voted in 2007 and how legite these individuals really are.

Posted By: Test Case On: 2/19/2010

Title: Protest Votes

Anyone know the the basis for the five voters having to vote on protest ballots?
Someone should have that information so that we could see if the PLP has a case that can stand up.

Posted By: WinnerSoon On: 2/19/2010

Title: Legal Eagle

Legal Eagle, you are so right. Let him go to the House if he bad. FNM mislead too.
Keep watchin and be wise

Posted By: Legal Eagle On: 2/19/2010

Title: No winner yet

How can Dr. Sands declare himself the member elect (today on the radio), when the presiding officer thompson could not certify the election results because of his legal obligation to investigate the 5 protest votes? FNM is misleading the public.

Posted By: Sammy T On: 2/19/2010

Title: @ not on the register

I hear you... let democracy take its course. All I am sayin is... betcha dolla those five get thrown right out. Plus you see what 'inside scoop' said: the PLP ain't even after the 5 protest votes, they want to reopen the ballot boxes in court. This will take forever and mean Elizabeth gets no reproesentation before the General Election

Posted By: not on the register On: 2/19/2010

Title: not on the register

and before you jump all over me let me just say, that I am not accusing the FNM of taking these voters off the register. I am just saying its a possibility. So calm down and let democracy take its course.

Posted By: not on the register On: 2/19/2010

Title: not on the register

you ever thought they might not be on the register because the FNM got them off the register. yalll calm yourself. this is a free country let democracy carry its course before you'll get all worked up about them votes not counting. let the judge make the decision of they are legitimate or not. its not for us to decide is it? none of us know at this point.

Posted By: PLP Go Home On: 2/19/2010

Title: tired of nonsense

The PLP is determined to make sure the Bahamas looks like a third world banana republic. They should just take thier licks and chill out. Two years is a very short time for them to try again

Posted By: inside scoop On: 2/19/2010

Title:

Actually the PLP probably don't stand a chance with the protest votes. They want to go to court to reopen the ballot boxes and argue about jack thompson's decisions. remember, christie said tommy was intimidating jack into making wrong decisions? that is the PLP's play....

Posted By: JONES On: 2/19/2010

Title: @ Sammy T

Yeah, I'm sick of hearing about these five votes which deserve the right to be heard. They were NOT on the register. Why not? Sure... it could be oversight... but do you really see any of these people (the PLP would need at least 3 to win) convincing a judge that he lives in the consitituency, but just wasn't put on the register?? What, what his house invisible??
Cmon.

Posted By: LAW STUDENT 2010 On: 2/19/2010

Title: "Elections are WON on the grounds, not in election Courts"

The PLP does not care about the bIgger picture they only care about themselves and what they want. They claim to seek democracy and justice, but how is it FAIR or JUST for the people of the Elizabeth constituency to remain unrepresented in the House? HOW!? The election results speak for themselves and it is obvious that the FNM has regained the constituency, so why is that Mr. Christie and his supporters feel the need to protest these results (which represent the will of the people) before the Court. The PLP's time would be better spent campaigning for the 2012 general election which is just around the corner. Instead of focusing on right NOW they need to focus their attention to the FUTURE!!!

Posted By: Sammy T On: 2/19/2010

Title:

Ok this is nonsense. For whoever doesn't know what they are talking about. The five protest votes don't have anything wrong with them, in the sense of the voter made a mistake making his X - They were cast by people who are not on the ELIZABETH REGISTER. Now considering what we know about the underhanded political tactics in this country, you can bet money the reason they were not on the register was because the DONT LIVE in Elizabeth, but the PLP sent them to the ballot box anyway. I promise you, the judge will throw them ALL out, and this will be a waste of time. Note to the FNM... you better watch out the PLP een finding house in Elizabeth for these five people as we speak!!!

Posted By: Had enough On: 2/19/2010

Title: Enough is enough

The Election is over it time to get back to running this country of ours, with all that is going on in this country the time taken making noise over who win and who lost has to stop its like kids fighting over toys. The FNM is the government that is not going to change no mater who win Elizabeth, ALL the party have two years to get it together, gone are the days when people vote for party this is a new generation of persons who think for themselves mummy and daddy can no longer tell the kids they spent money to EDUCATE how to cast there vote so PLP and FNM both have to get it together our youths are watching, and for leaders to be carring on like kids is not a good thing. Bahamians are no longer clueless this is a new age. We as bahamians need to have the same level of frustration and protest when our homes are being broken into, friends and family members being killed, what happen to your voice then, why not take a stand as a united force to take back our country. What i have seen shows clearly why our country mainly our young people are the way they are today the watch what we do, no respect for law and the law makers. Come on let us get it together Bahamians.

Posted By: 5 votes On: 2/19/2010

Title: @annoyed bahamian

the people of elizabeth (not including those 5 votes) have spoken. these 5 votes my actually turn out to be legitimate elizabeth votes. lets just wait and see what elizabeth is really saying.

Posted By: Young observer...... tired On: 2/19/2010

Title: TIRED..... no voice, no vote

PLP, FMN, PLP, FNM........ listen I'm COMPLETELY TIRED OF IT!!! IT'S ALREADY OVER PPL TIME TO MOVE ON..... whether its a win by one vote or two its over, its a complete waste of time and money and supporters are wasting time to follow foolishness like this.It's obvious to a person like me who, has never voted, and will be eligible in 2012 and who is looking out for what is best and want what is best for this country to come to a conclusion this early that NONE of the partys have the best intrest of this country at heart...... no voice, no vote

Posted By: Annoyed Bahamian On: 2/19/2010

Title: 5 votes are petty!

The FNM, if they had lost, would not drag though election court, mainly because it was the PLP's seat anyway and it wouldn't make a difference in who the goverment is. If it did make a difference i would understand. THere is only half a term left before election again. By the time all of this dies down it will be time to campaign for election 2012. This is absurd!!! The people of Elizabeth has spoken. In fact, if the PLP had maintained its credibility in Elizabeth, maybe those PLP's who didnt vote would have actually showed up to the polls and placed their mark. But the fact that they didn't and the fact that those who showed up voted in favor of the FNM after such intense campaigning by the PLP, it should show them that they have a lot of work to do. They have lost the credibility of Bahamians and all that is left is the BLIND, sometimes, ignorant supporters. PLEASE, JUST LET IT GO!!!

Posted By: 5 votes are importante On: 2/19/2010

Title: @annoyed bahamian

that is not true, we do not know if there was something obviously wrong with them. that is what must be determined. let democracy take its course and be patient. what if one of those votes were your own.

Posted By: Lord help us. On: 2/19/2010

Title: Mr. Christie and PLP's a word to the wise is sufficient.

Hi there editor of the tribune,
You all really need to publish a lot of these comments in your paper.
They are very interesting and make a lot of sense.
Please Mr. Christie. Swallow your pride and do the Bahamian people and more importantly the constituents of Elizabeth a favour. Sit down reassess where your party is and work towards 2010.

Posted By: Middle ground. On: 2/19/2010

Title: Come on J Thompson!

J Thompson, think rationally - those 5 votes were made by the people and should be taken into consideration, should they be proven to be valid. If FNM had won by more than 5 votes then it would be a none issue. Just let the law and democracy take its course. BTW - I support neither the FNM or the PLP.

Posted By: not a loss On: 2/19/2010

Title: not a loss

sick of the tactics? you mean sick of pursuing democracy? 5 votes thompson, 5 possibly legitimate votes. that would be a 3 point lead. lets just wait and see and then we can judge.

Posted By: Annoyed Bahamian On: 2/19/2010

Title: RIDICULOUS!!

OH MY GOODNESS!!! NOT AGAIN. The PLP is full of a bunch of sore, bitter losers! They still havent gotten over there embarassing defeat in 2007. Or their defeats for the constituencies they dragged through election court. I am so EMBARASSED for Perry Christie and his party. LET IT GO. It has been counted and recounted. What, do you want to count it again???? If the votes are protest votes obviously there is a good reason they are, why go so far into it wasting the publics money and time in court. They need to be preparing for their next defeat in the 2012 elections. That just goes to show what they are all about, their ego's. It's just a bunch of foolishness and yes the young people are watching everything they do and so far it has not been impressive...AT ALL!!!!

Posted By: J Thompson On: 2/19/2010

Title: @ Not a Loss

Call it whatever you wish!!! I am just sick of the PLP and all of its tactics. Again, after the last election, I have lost all faith in them. They are only concerned about getting in government and do not care about what the people say.

Posted By: Real Winner On: 2/19/2010

Title: The Real Losers

TISM, if the FNM was in the PLP position they would have done the exact thing and justified that going to Court is the right thing to do. Do you believe the FNM would give away that seat? The real losers would be the people if they did not get the MP they chose and at this time we are not sure who that is , so stop blaming the PLP and let the law take its course.

Posted By: Not a Loss On: 2/19/2010

Title: Not a Loss

Admittedly my terminology may be wrong. However, this is not Election Court in the sense that you are thinking of. The first step is to determine the validity of the 5 votes. Why were they 5 votes off the registry in the first place? We will see. that is what must be determined before a party chooses to pursue the option of the Election Court that is being referred to as Expensive etc. This is a fight for democracy. These 5 votes must be considered first. Why is the importance of the 5 votes being overlooked?

Posted By: J Thompson On: 2/19/2010

Title: @ Let's Read Bahamas

I wish we can all one day go beyond politics and just be Bahamian. It is fine for us to follow the letter of the law. In some instances, LEADERS, must go beyond the letter of the law in the interest of public peace and National Development!!!
I am not suggesting lawlessness. I am simply suggesting that our LEADERS think about our people for once!!!

I don't care who wins it right now. We need to get back to the process of rebuilding our nation.
To you "Let's Read Bahamas" - right now, it is about uniting a divided Bahamas. That job also falls on Her Majesty's Loyal opposition.

Posted By: TISM On: 2/19/2010

Title: The Real Losers

The fact that the PLP served the intent to go to election court made it impossible for the returning officer to declare a winner in the election. So now the people of Elizabeth will continue without a representative until a sluggish legal system makes a determination. If Ryan or Duane were so concerned about the PEOPLE why not serve without the title of MP? We need to start letting MP's earn our trust as opposed to voting along party lines. The real losers here are the people of Elizabeth, they should be sour, sick and tired. I know I am.

Posted By: Waiting On: 2/19/2010

Title: Yes An Election Court

80.(1) Every election petition shall be tried by an Election Court.
Section 69 already posted. I am waiting for your source as you were so authorative . The local reporting was clear and correct and should stand unless you show otherwise by authorative source.

Posted By: Lets read Bahamas! On: 2/19/2010

Title: @ Not Election Court

69. (1 ) In the case of a contested election in any constituency in which the candidate to be returned is not an elected candidate, that is to say, if the number of regular votes cast in favor of that candidate is equal to or exceeds the number of regular votes cast for any other candidate for that constituency but is less than the aggregate of the number of regular votes and the number of protest votes cast for such other candidate, then the protest votes received by all the candidates shall be taken into account and their validity determined by an Election Court.

Posted By: J Thompson On: 2/19/2010

Title: @ Not a Loss

"Not a Loss" It is not the FNM trying to manipulate the Bahamian people. They have yet to declare victory and they are allowing the system to work the way it should. It is a very tired Bahamian public (including some PLP supporters) who are sick of the PLP continually going to the Election Court. After something has been abused soo much, even when or if it is valid, it loses its credibility.
Stop blaming the FNM for everything that happens in the PLP!!!
Stop hiding behind "the people's voice"!!!
Stop being soo petty!!!
It seems that the BDM and NDP will be the only viable alternatives to the FNM. The PLP is to haughty to admit that there is anything wrong in its party. Even with the closeness of the Elizabeth Elections. The only way that the PLP can ever reclaim the government is when it listens to reason coming from outside of its party instead of the blind voices guiding them from the inside.

Posted By: Waiting On: 2/19/2010

Title: Election Court

69. (1 ) In the case of a contested election in any constituency in which the candidate to be returned is not an elected candidate, that is to say, if the number of regular votes cast in favor of that candidate is equal to or exceeds the number of regular votes cast for any other candidate for that constituency but is less than the aggregate of the number of regular votes and the number of protest votes cast for such other candidate, then the protest votes received by all the candidates shall be taken into account and their validity determined by an Election Court.

Posted By: Waiting On: 2/19/2010

Title: Election Court not first step

The Election Court is the first and only step. Not a Judge. Get it right (please (see Sections 69 and 80 of the Parlimentary Elections Act. I invite "Not Election Court" to state his source about a judge or withdraw this misstatement.

Posted By: Celeste On: 2/19/2010

Title: @Not Election Court

Thanks for clearing that up! I didn't understand it that way..our local reporters DID NOT make that clear at all! Perhaps now we can all take a collective breath and step slooowly away from this argument....lol

Posted By: Not a LOSS On: 2/19/2010

Title: Not a LOSS

It is not a loss yet there are 5 PLP Protest votes in limbo. these will be decided before a judge. Some basic math, 5 - 2 = PLP win by 3. Wait and see. I really don't understand why this was not reported. Is the FNM trying to manipulate and confuse the Bahamians?

Posted By: Celeste On: 2/19/2010

Title: To D.W

@D.W awww..come on... Stevie Wonder can see that 'SO VERY TIRED' is probably an FNM trying to appear PLP. Do you guys actually believe everything you read on the internet? Can you not read between the lines? A real PLP would never come on THIS site and say a thing like that at a time like this...
Oh and by the way, GREAT JOB in covering the events Tribune..even if you were a bit biased..I mean come on..you made it seem like the PLP supporters were a militant bunch ,while the FNMs were just there calmly knitting and making flower bracelets...lol.

Posted By: FNM (simply the best) On: 2/19/2010

Title: Accept ya losses man

SMt the PLP is make me sick like Hubert say this is a democracy and if if the FNM do not win its wat the ppl want and the FNM wud not take it to election Court. PLP never cud take there losses man. SMt just like general election all those PLP's going to elecion court

Posted By: Not Election Court On: 2/19/2010

Title: @ wake up PLP

It is not the PLPs choice to have the 5 protested votes validated. It happens by default when there are enought protest votes to sway and election. Its not the PLPs choice. Why does no one understand this. Its the Bahamian electoral process. Protest votes go to a judge to be decided. Election Court decision is made after the issue of protest votes is cleared up. The 5 votes could win this election before it even goes to Election Court.

Posted By: PLP SUPPORTER!!! On: 2/19/2010

Title: Should they go to election court or not?

Well the PLP want to get justice that they was suppose to win the bye-election that is why they want to take it to court. But instead of taking it to the court let those 1700 plus voters vote who didn't vote on tuesday and accept whatever the outcome of that is. Seriously you all already owe money to ZNS try and pay off that debt so when 2012 comes around you can broadcast on ZNS. Stop wasting money on foolishness. The PLP really don't really have to change theirleadership, give Perry another chance, he have alot of plans for this country that is why he is lingering around in politics, even though he could give those plans to the next leader i guess he just doing that so that he cud he say he did sum ting forthe country even though he mite of mess up sum times while he was prime minister.

Posted By: J Thompson On: 2/19/2010

Title: Wake Up PLP!!!

I listened intently during the entire campaign as the PLP accused the FNM of wasting public funds on this election. However, the votes have been counted. In fact, taking some 2+ days after the election to reveal a final count. Now, the PLP desires to take the time of an already overburdened court system to do what the Parliamentary Registrar is charged with doing. In addition, the people of Elizabeth must suffer without a representative for God knows how long. This has to be an indication to the PLP that public opinion has not changed and that if an election were called today, they will lose. And, they will have to fight even more for some of those seats they won narrowly in 2007.
If this has to go back to the people, the PLP will lose because of the way they are now handling their defeat. They have learned nothing from their defeat of 2007. It's time for the PLP to wake up and prepare for the real fight as they face another general election loss.

Posted By: election court is not the first step. On: 2/19/2010

Title: Not Election Court

The 1st step is NOT ELection court. I don't know why this has been mistated. the next step is a judge accessing the validity of the Protest votes (this happens prior to ELection Court). Why isn't this clearly reported? Why is it such a cotentious issue that the PLPs are trying to defend the rights of the 5 protested voters? This next step is PRIOR to Election Court. If the PLP is ahead at the end of this, it will most likely be the FNMs decision to take it to court or not.

Posted By: Waiting On: 2/19/2010

Title: Election Court

If at this point, after the severe 3 days scrutiny, the Returning Officer is still unable to declare an elected candidate, how will we get an elected candidate unless the court validate the protest votes. These protest votes, whether for the PLP or FNM, deserve to be counted and can only be validated according to election law by an election court. Othewise folks, the Returning Officer would had have to count them anayway in determing a winner. It seem as if the Returning Officer and both the PLP and FNM candidates hands are tied by the law. So, we need to wait on due process in order that the true will of the voters can be expressed. It is a moot point until the court decides, so we have to wait for the outcome.

Posted By: Joe Blow On: 2/19/2010

Title: Elizabeth should be PISSED

So after putting up with a month of no sleep because of rallies and headquarter parties, cars honking, politicians and their operatives knocking on their doors beggin for votes, The great people of Elizabeth (well minus about 1700 of them) went out, exercised their right to vote and STILL THEY HAVE NO REPRESENTATIVE because of legal shenanigans. I'd be pissed. no roads getting paved for you. no jobs for you. no nuttin for you.

Posted By: D.W. On: 2/19/2010

Title:

The PLP needs to take a look at "so very tired" comments below and really ponder on them...the young people are watching...

Posted By: Celeste On: 2/19/2010

Title: Who's Money is It?

If the PLP wants to take it to court, that’s their business. If there were disputed ballots where the intentions of the persons were clear, then why not take a chance? Any money "wasted " would be Ryan's. Why are you guys so upset about it? It’s not your money. If he takes it to court and loses, then he'd have to pay everyone's expenses. This should also be a very short case, because the recount has already been done, so court time should also be at a minimum. Please stop being biased and look at it from Ryan's perspective. I'm assuming he wants to ensure that he does everything in his power to make sure that the person chosen to represent Elizabeth is the one chosen by the majority..whether they knew how to vote properly or not. If the (5?) disputed ballots clearly show that the persons intended to vote for Ryan, then Dr. Sands and the FNM should know within their hearts that the majority of the people did not intend to vote for them. It would be a shallow victory indeed...but the greatest thing we should all take away from this is that there is much to be done on educating people how to vote properly.

Posted By: MS KING On: 2/19/2010

Title: its point less

@ lois major. i think the plp has all rights to go to the courts.i agree alot of money will be spent but its worth it.and the focus is not on mr.christie its about mr.pinder and as u can c its the residents of elizabeth estates thats not settling for the FNM government to be in power.it is said that the people of elizabeth always knew it as a plp seat and wants it remain as so.and after it was broadcast on the talk show that the deputy prime minister Brent symmonte was seen riding behind the police with the ballots box who wouldnt think funny? it is so said and so done that everybody but the FNM supporters know that the progressive liberal party won actually even some fnm suppoter was saying plp deserve it. SO SAID SO DONE

Posted By: Donna On: 2/19/2010

Title: Leave it alone.

observer, I agree with you. taking this matter to court is a total wast of money and precious court time. Perry need to calm his people down and dont allow this to get out of hand, like the last general election when his people almost cause this country a civil war. The general election is two years away. Continue to campagine am sure you will pervail.

Posted By: SO VERY TIRED On: 2/19/2010

Title: IT TIME TO MOVE ON MR. CHRISITIE

MR. CHRISTIE WITH ALL DO RESPECT I WISH THAT YOU AS THE LEADER OF OUR GREAT PARTY WOULD PLEASE REALIZE THAT THE BY-ELECTION IS OVER AND THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN. I FEEL WE AS A PLP PARTY NEED TO PUT ALL OF THIS FOCUS ON THE FACT THAT THE GENERAL ELECTION IS FAST APPROACHING AND WE NEED TO GET OUT THERE AND WIN OUR SUPPORTERS BACK.
MR. CHRISTIE IT IS CLEAR THAT IF GENERAL ELECTION WAS TOMORROW THE FNM WOULD WIN AGAIN. AFTER ALL THIS SEAT WAS OUR AND HERE WE ARE NOW HAVING TO FIGHT AND GOT O COURT TO GET IT. DO YOU NOT REALIZE THAT THIS COURT CASE WILL LEAD UP UNTIL THE TIME OF THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION.
PLEASE MR. CHRISTIE AND OUR GREAT PLP PARTY, CAN WE PLEASE LET THIS GO AND WORK TO GET OUR PEOPLE BACK. LETS WORK TOWARDS WINNING THE MORE IMPORTANT GOAL WHICH IS THE GENERAL ELECTION. REMEMBER WE AS YOUNG PLP SUPPORTERS ARE WATCHING AND WE HAVE TO LEARN FROM YOU.

Posted By: Maria Grant On: 2/19/2010

Title: Poor Decision

Let it go Perry, enough is enough. Bye-Election 2010 is OVER! We've had enough. Political Supporters are on edge. Stop creating drama - not all Political Supporters are logical thinkers. A word to the wise is sufficient!

Posted By: Quincy Nairn On: 2/19/2010

Title: sour losers

i hear a lot of people talking nonsense about the FNM should be scared because of the close race but i think the PLP should be terrified because they out spent the FNM on every level with ads on every single radio station all the papers and their campaign rallies started two whole weeks before the FNM got into gear and i would've thought the negative ads would've cost the FNM with crime and the recession but sensible thinkin people know all is not the governments fault so now the PLP takes their case to election court what a waste of time and money like the great Leslie Miller said elections are won at the polls and i say this new PLP ARE A BUNCH OF SOUR LOSERS from 2007 they have been in election mode.

Posted By: Alex On: 2/19/2010

Title: Agreed

I completely agree with Lois Major. The PLP is demonstrating that it does not have the best interest of the people of the Elizabeth consitituency in the forefront of its mind. Neither does it have its own best interest at hand. If they go to election court and it is determined that the results stand then they would have wasted the courts time and an exuberant amount of money. I am so very disappointed in the decisions made by Mr. Christie and the other members of the failing PLP party. A bit of advice to the PLP party go back to the drawing borad...change your party leader, chairman and other members who hold positions in your party because of long service to the party and allow young fresh innovative minds in to take your party to the next level. Stop blaming everything on intimidation. One fact about accusers in a large percentage of the time the accusations are due to the fact that the individual themselves have engaged in and is guilty of the very same action. Let us get on with the rebuilding of this nations. There is so much to be done. We all know that crime of out of control. Two nights ago 2 young men were gunned down and the following day more officers were dispatched to Thelma Gibson for crowd control because persons cannot respect the decisions of others. This is not where the focus and attention should be it is wasting time and precious resources. The police could be better served dealing with criminal matters. Leave that election court alone.
Thank you again to the Tribune242 this has been a remarkable experience and I am looking forward to your continued excellence.You have proven that you have great visionaries within your establishment. I also commend the management for signing off on and having confidence in your reporters and editors to go forth with this level of reporting. You know that the Bahamas and the world is watching and taking note. Excellent job

Posted By: Th Observer On: 2/19/2010

Title: In al Fairness

The only way people are going to be in acceptance of the final results is to have the courts involvement to review the disputed ballots. I am sure that there were a million PLP and FNM in the room whilst the counting was taking place hence it taking 2 days to count about 3000 ballots. The count is correct, the dispute is only going to be in the ballots not used or discarded. Let teh court decide on it so it can be final and noone can say it wasn't fairly decided.

Posted By: Punched Drunk On: 2/19/2010

Title: Take a look at It!

@ Lois Major. But isn't it interesting that all votes cast (Regular & Protes) outnumber those cast for Dr. Sands (Regular & Protest votes). It would seem as if the only way to remedy the situation is to let our independent courts deal with the matter. It matter not who has the majority in the HOA as it stands, what matters most is the will of the people be done and clearly of all ballots cast the will of the people is to have Mr. Pinder represent them no doubt by a small margin but a clear margin nonetheless.

Posted By: Lois Major On: 2/19/2010

Title: observer

the PLP taking this to the election court seems to be a pointless waste of money and time. the results show that the FNM gained some 47 votes in this constituency over the last election, as they had lost that one by 45, which they have gained back plus 2. two things are obvious: the constituency is evenly split between FNM and PLP and the balance of power in the house does not change as the FNM had a majority anyway. the PLP should concede gracefully and await the 2012 elections.