MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Eleven candidates expected for Falklands General Election

Dr Clausen: the next Government must be prepared to take, “tough decisions to either manage a commercial (oil) discovery or the lack of one.”

Eleven candidates are predicted will compete for the eight available seats at the Falkland Islands General Election on November 5.

Six of those were members of the recently dissolved Legislative Assembly, including John Birmingham, Richard Stevens, Mike Summers, Andrea Clausen, Ian Hansen and Janet Robertson. Former councillors Jan Cheek, Roger Edwards and Sharon Halford will also battle for the seats this year, as will Power Station Manager Glen Ross and School Teacher Emma Edwards.

Islander Glen Ross, who is new to the political scene, told Mercopress he was concerned that for too many years non Falkland Islanders have been forming the Islands policies: “Those people who come to the Falklands on contract offer no long term investment in terms of the Falklands future success. For too long we’ve had people coming here telling us what to do…”

Mr Ross wishes also to attempt to make a difference to the future of young Islanders, many of whom now struggle to obtain the finances to buy or build houses: “I want to try and make the quality of life a little better for people,” he said.

Long time councillor Mike Summers, when asked why he was motivated to stand once again, said, “I have been involved in Falklands politics and development for over 30 years in various ways, as lobbyist, public servant and councillor, and feel I still have much to contribute to the advancement of our country - in economic development, community safety and services, and international affairs. My campaign will centre on economic development and international relations with the UK, the EU and others. I have no great expectations of progress with Argentina under the current regime, but will continue to press for universal recognition of our right to self-determination, and a co-operative approach to environmental management in the South West Atlantic.”

Dr Andrea Clausen took a similar line but added, “I would very much like for Argentina to acknowledge that their bully-boy tactics have failed and will continue to do so, so that we can open dialogue on areas that are mutually beneficial, under the sovereignty umbrella. I would like to see the re-establishment of the South Atlantic Fisheries Committee so that work can re-commence on protecting our shared stocks, which would hopefully lead to a Regional Fisheries Management Agreement for the South-west Atlantic. The ban on Commercial charters must also be dropped; surely the Government of Argentine can now see that this is as big an inconvenience for them as it is for us.”

On the subject of hydrocarbons, Dr Clausen feels the Falklands needs a “strong Government” which is prepared to take, “tough decisions to either manage a commercial discovery or the lack of one.”

She added, “Whilst work has commenced on an economic development strategy in the no hydrocarbon scenario, there is still a long way to go. I believe I am a good candidate to contribute to that process and to represent the people of the Falkland Islands both at home and overseas.

Former councilor Jan Cheek told Mercopress, “I believe I have something to offer in terms of experience and commonsense and I can now give it the time it deserves.” In February of last year Mrs. Cheek retired as Director and co-owner of successful fishing company Fortuna Ltd.

Mrs Cheek said, “I still have a burning interest in many issues, education being one…” She said the main thrust of her campaign would involve, “…the economy and the overall political situation.”

Since this story was written Mercopress have been informed that Falklands photographer Mr Norman Clark will also be a candidate at the election'.

Closing day for nominations is on Thursday October 15, meaning candidates will have only three weeks further to impress voters. Traditionally, campaigning in the Falkland Islands is a relatively low-key affair with speeches printed in Penguin News and read out on the local radio station. Some candidates also distribute manifesto leaflets. (Mr. Ross confirmed his manifesto would be sent to around 700 residents this week.)

Candidates will pay a £100 deposit, which they will lose if they do not obtain 12.5% of the votes cast.

Approximately 1600 people appear on the last electoral register.

By Lisa Watson - SeAled PR - Stanley