Polls closed, counting underway

The polls have closed in the East Douglas by election (2000, 12 Nov), ballot boxes from the constituency's five polling stations have been taken to the town hall, where tonight's count is being held.

The seat left vacant by Brenda Cannell is being contested by seven candidates, but the victor tonight will serve less than a year in the House of Keys before the Island heads to the polls in a general election.

Clare Bettison, Kurt Buchholz, Richard Falk, Jon Joughin, John McBride and Geraldine O'Neill are standing as independents while Cat Turner represents the Liberal Vannin party.

Voters in East Douglas have received a deluge of campaign literature and a stream of visits from candidates, with each highlighting their local and national priorities.

Candidates reported unease on the doorstep among would-be voters, dismayed to discover they are not on the electoral roll, but it's unclear how widespread the issue has been.

Returning officer Terrence McDonald has toured polling stations throughout the day, ensuring protocols are being followed.

Candidates, their agents and supporters will remain inside the count at Douglas town hall until the result is declared.

Manx Radio will broadcast the result live into programmes this evening, with a results service on late bulletins and online. 

Tune in to Mandate on FM from 0730 on Friday to hear the full story, interviews and analysis - as the newly-elected MHK for East Douglas prepares to step onto the national political stage.