MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ next general election announced for 7 November

Gilbert House seat of the Legislative Assembly

The Falkland Islands next general election to renew the eight members of the Legislative Assembly, five for Stanley and three for the Camp is scheduled to be held next 7 November, it was decided in the latest meeting of the Executive Council.

“Voting arrangements for the forthcoming general election were discussed and approved, and the date of Thursday 7th November was approved as the day of the election”, said the résumé of the meeting made public last week.

The previous election was held in November 2009 when in a surprise ballot the eight members of the Assembly lost their seats and were all replaced.

The Stanley constituency voted for Dick Sawle, Gavin Short, Glen Ross and Emma Edwards, while the three from the Camp constituency were, Roger Edwards, Sharon Halford and Bill Luxton.

However in April 2011 Glen Ross stepped down, and in a by-election veteran lawmaker Mike Summers was returned to office with an overwhelming support.

Later that year two other members of the Assembly presented their resignations, Emma Edwards in October and Bill Luxton in November. Miss Edwards was leaving the Falklands and M. Luxton for personal reasons also decided to step down forcing a December by-election in Stanley and in the Camp.

Dr. Barry Elsby, a well known figure in the Falklands where he has been a doctor for over twenty years easily took the Stanley bench while Ian Hansen, a former Councillor unopposed became the third MLA representing the Camp constituency.

The Executive Council report also indicated that approval was given to the draft Electoral (amendment) bill 2013 and drafting of supplementary legislation.

“Amendments will include provision for emergency voting, and the removal of the serial number from ballot papers. Detailed regulations will be submitted to EXCO in August”, concluded the brief reference.