PNM councillor’s swearing in delayed due to recount

Alexander said he showed up at the swearing in ceremony at the Siparia Regional Corporation primed and ready to be sworn in, but was informed by the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Paula Ferguson, that the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) ordered that his swearing in be put on hold.

“Well obviously to me it is embarrassing,” said Alexander in a telephone interview with Newsday. “I am disappointed about the timing of things and the manner in which things were done.” After learning of the new developments, Alexander and the other PNM Councillors- elect met to decide whether or not to go through with the ceremony. “At first, my colleagues were all willing for all of us to be sworn in together as a team after the recount was done. But after careful consideration and consultation with the party, it was decided that they would go through with the ceremony.” After an hour-long meeting, Alexander promptly left the vicinity and the ceremony began and continued as otherwise planned.

According to the EBC official results for the election, Alexander won the electoral district with 1,912 votes to the UNC candidate, Avenesh Seetaram’s 1,824, a difference of 90 votes.

The Siparia West/Fyzabad district was one of six districts where a recount was requested last Tuesday. Alexander said the results from the first recount were the same as the original.

Putting his embarrassment aside, however, Alexander said he is not threatened by the recount. “If they are within their right to request a recount, I have nothing against the recount. It would have to be a miracle for a second recount to come back different from the first two counts.” The recount is set to be held on Monday.

Because the Chairman of the Corporation is chosen by the votes of a full council comprising of elected councillors and aldermen, that appointment has also been delayed pending the results of the recount.

Leo Doodnath, who remains the Chairman of the Corporation until the next one is elected, said he expects that the entire process would be completed by next Thursday.