Bekkenhuis, Oatney Win Election
BRIESK - The Conservative Party swept to victory Monday with the news that Bill Bekkenhuis and David Oatney had been elected to the Royal Assembly. With Progressive Steven Foong and Conservative Christopher McQueeny locked in a second round run off, many in the party hoped to make their majority absolute.Speaking to supporters at a victory celebration at the Fort St. George Tavern, Conservative Leader David Oatney said, "I can't thank you enough for this overwhelming vote of confidence in the Conservative Party and in me personally and in Bill Bekkenhuis, Chris McQueeney and in our entire slate of candidates. We owe a lot not only to all the citizens who voted for us, but for our volunteers and supporters right across the country."
Bekkenhuis told reporters he was pleased with the results and indicated that he was ready for the hard work to begin. He said, "We must diligently guard against the old Morovian vice of electing an Assembly and then the Assembly vanishes. If anyone catches me off-property while there is legislation to be done, please feel free to shoot me."
Both candidates were supported by 55% of electors, with Foong and McQueeny tying for third place with 45%. The outcome was a disappointment for the Progressives. They fielded a ticket that, including former Peoples Representative Foong, included Morovian veterans Peter Hickey and Peter Krembs. Some have quested whether the late emergence of the Democratic Centre had a spoilers effect on the election, with the Progressives losing votes to the Conservatives gain.
"I am disappointed with my and my party's showing," said defeated Progressive Peter Krembs. "It seems like Morovia stayed loyal to its Old Guard this time."
Glenn McCarter, Leader of the Democratic Centre, also expressed his disappointment with his party's showing, but pledged that he would fight on. He said, "Whoever is elected will have to take into consideration the views of the centrists and respect us as a major political force in the country. I promise to our electors that the Democratic Centre will continue as a political force and we will continue to be a centrist influence in any government."
With Conservatives guaranteed two out of the three seats in the coming Royal Assembly, Oatney has announced his intention to stand as Peoples Representative and speculation has already begun that Bekkenhuis will take up the Speaker's gavel for the umpteenth time in his career.
The full results may be accessed here.
posted by The Editors @ 04:53
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