MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“New Faces for Falklands General Election”.

Eighteen candidates had been declared to contest the eight seats on the Falkland Islands Legislative Council. A General Election will take place on 22 November.

In the Stanley constituency where five seats are being contested the names of eleven candidates will appear on voting forms, although one of those declared, John Rodney Tuckwood, had already indicated that he has withdrawn from the contest for 'personal reasons'. Mr. Tuckwood, who was born in Britain, currently works as a plumber for the Falkland Islands Government.

While the population of the farming sector in the Islands, is falling rapidly, no fewer than seven farmers have come forward, and will battle it out for the three seats available in the Camp constituency.

In Stanley, four members of the previous Legislature will attempt to retain their seats. Michael Summers, Janet Cheek, Sharon Halford and John Birmingham, will face a challenge from Richard Cockwell, who moves from the Camp to the Stanley constituency. While Eric Goss, a member of the Legislature between 1993-97, representing the Camp, will now also contest the Stanley seats. Lewis Clifton made a late decision to withdraw from the race because of, 'a recurring medical condition', while William Luxton has retired from the Legislature.

However Luxton's son, Stephen, has entered the local political scene, and his declaration will provide an opportunity for Stanley's younger citizens to vote for a member of their own age group. Stephen Luxton currently Manages the Automotive Section of the Falkland Islands Company. While generally keeping a low profile, his forthright letters published in 'Penguin News', the Islands only newspaper, indicates a strong determination to refrain from any form of links with Argentina.

Barbara June Besley-Clark, who runs the 'Dolphins' Guest House in Stanley, has been defeated in two previous Elections, and it will be a major surprise should she succeed this time.

Perhaps the strongest challenge to the former incumbents will come from Englishman, Ian Doherty, who works as Office Manager for the local fishing company JGB. Having settled in the Islands many years ago, he is married to a Chilean, and speaks Spanish well, although not fluently. Although not widely known, he has earned a reputation within the community as a competent and forward thinking individual.

Former British Paratrooper Kevin Ormond, w