Headlines:
| Second magisterial recount requested for East Hanover |
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| Monday, 24 September 2007 | |
There is fresh controversy Monday afternoon over the
winner of the fiercely contested East Hanover
constituency.Lawyers for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Monday afternoon requested a second magisterial recount of the ballots, after the presiding magistrate Monday rejected several questionable ballots in the magisterial recount. This decision would have given the seat to the Peoples National Party D.K Duncan by 12 votes over the JLP's Barrington Gray. Mr. Gray was declared the winner by nine votes following the September 3 election. For nearly four hours Monday lawyers representing both Dr. D.K. Duncan and Barrington Gray presented their arguments to senior Resident Magistrate George Bertrand. While Dr. Duncan's lawyers argued that the torn ballots should be omitted, Mr. Gray's attorneys noted that the Jamaican law does not speak to that. Resident Magistrate Bertrand after listening to the deliberations decided to reject to the ballots. An incensed Harold Brady, who represents Barry Gray told the judge that his ruling was inconsistent with the ruling he had made last Friday and called for an adjournment to make an appeal. His application was however denied and Mr. Brady claimed that by virtue of the ruling he believes that all boxes should be counted. He claims that he is entitled to that privilege and the judge granted his wish to the ire of his opponent. The counting resumed about 4 o'clock but ended at 4:25 with only three boxes counted. This as Mr. Brady announced that he had to catch a flight. A very angry Dr. Duncan accused the JLP of using delay tactics, while Mr. Gray said he had no comment on the issue. |