Killarney MP Elect: It’s a Nail-biting Mixture of Emotion

Advertisement

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – More than 12 hours after the polls closed, the recount was on for the Killarney Constituency for a race separated by less than 2 dozen votes according to unofficial results, and based on the numbers, the FNM’s Michela Barnett-Ellis is the MP elect.

Barnett-Ellis described the moment she was named the projected winner:

Michela Barnett-Ellis – MP Elect, Killarney

“Honestly, it is a feeling of excitement mixed with exhaustion…we are glad that we got through that and thank you to everybody who came out and came out and voted.”

When we caught up with Barnett–Ellis today at the New Providence Community Center, where officials were recounting ballots, a legal part of the process.

However by noon, they had just gotten to the second ballot box.

If the result stands, she’ll be one of nine women to grace the House of Assembly for the first time in 24 years.

Michela Barnett-Ellis – MP Elect, Killarney

“I think it’s extremely important because of the makeup of the House of Assembly. We should reflect the make up of the population and we are you know gradually getting to a place where we have more women in the House of Assembly. Hopefully, we will get to 50-50, but you know all things take time.”

Barnett-Ellis went up against Robyn Lynes of the Progressive Liberal Party, Coalition of Independents Candidate, Veronica McIver, and independent candidate, former prime minister Dr. Hubert Minnis.

Michela Barnett-Ellis – MP Elect, Killarney

“This fight in Killarney has made Killarney better because everybody had to raise the level of their campaign, and when that happens, the only people who benefit are the residents of Killarney. So I thank all of them again for coming out to vote, for talking to us, [and] welcoming us into their homes.”

“Thank you for the faith that you have instilled in me, I promise that I will not let you down.”