The first vote cast for PNM?

THE first vote for the ruling PNM, and quite possibly the first vote cast for the crucial Siparia Regional Corpo-ration, occurred last Tuesday morning when disabled candidate Pundit Gayapersad Maharaj cast his vote (as a Special Elector) at the La Brea Community Centre. Pundit Maharaj goes up against the UNC candidate Pundit Sharma Basdeo. In the last Local Government election in 1999, the Corporation’s seats were tied at 4-4 and went to the control of the UNC, after the drawing of lots. Maharaj, the PNM candidate for the electoral district of Otaheite/Rousillac, lost his right leg to diabetes and was subsequently registered to vote as a special elector in the July 14 poll. Asked who he had voted for, the smiling Maharaj told Newsday it “definitely was not for the other pundit.” He also expressed optimism over the outcome of the election, saying the PNM would wrest control of the marginal Siparia Regional Corporation from the Opposition UNC. “A lot of UNC people are coming over to the PNM because they see that we have been doing a lot of things for them and not just making empty promises, like the other party,” Pundit Maharaj said.