Up-Front
Election Results Mirror CNN/ICCIPoll
Telephone Survey 80 percentaccurate;
in some districts, 100 percent
The results of the General Elections, whichhave been tallied and publicized up to press time, indicate anoverall 80 percent accuracy in poll predictions in the recentsurvey of voter intentions conducted by Cayman Net News and InternationalCollege of the Cayman Islands (ICCI).
The poll was taken by telephone over the week of 16-24 October.
Registered voters were asked to respond to the question: "Ifthe elections were called tomorrow, who would you most likelyvote for?"
Poll results showed West Bay candidate McKeeva Bush and GeorgeTown candidate Kurt Tibbetts topping the polls in their districts.The indications were that the following were some of the leadcandidates and likely voting patterns in the districts:
- Edna Moyle in North Side, who has been declared winner of theseat, polling 249 votes over Ezzard Miller's 218.
- Kurt Tibbetts, Alden McLaughlin, Dr. Frank McField and LinfordPierson in George Town. Up to press time, results reported fromGeorge Town showed Kurt Tibbetts in the lead with 2,089 votes,followed by Alden McLaughlin, 1,554, Dr. Frank McField, 1,292and Linford Pierson, 1,170 votes. Mr. Tibbetts' popularity appearsto have increased by approximately six percent.
- Arden McLean, John McLean and Kenross Connolly in an even three-waysplit in East End. In final results from the district, Arden McLeanemerged winner with 200 votes or 37.11 % of those polled, followedby John McLean, 175 votes or 32.47 percent and Kenross Connollywith 164 votes - 30.43 percent.
- In Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the poll indicated lead candidatesto be Julianna O'Connor-Connolly and Audley Scott. In final electionresults from the district, Julianna O'Connor-Connolly topped thepolls, as predicted. Lyndon Martin has taken the other seat. AudleyScott was third in the standings, based on the number of voteshe received.
- In West Bay, the poll indicated lead candidates as McKeeva Bush,Tara Rivers, Bernie Bush and Rolston Anglin. When Cayman Net Newswent to press, election results from the district showed thatthe McKeeva Bush-led 'Better Balance Team' had a strong lead overthe other candidates. The district's top six contenders were McKeeevaBush with 1,462 votes, Rolston Anglin, 1,030 votes, Captain EugeneEbanks, 929 votes, Cline (CG) Glidden, Jr., 789 votes, BernieBush, 742 votes and Tara Rivers, 671 votes. McKeeva Bush appearedto have gained some 12 percent in support, since the conduct ofthe polls. Ms. Rivers lost ground by approximately 13 percent.
- In Bodden Town, the poll showed Anthony Eden, Roy Bodden andMary Lawrence as the lead candidates. In final results for thedistrict, the winning candidates are Roy Bodden who polled 1,008votes, Gilbert McLean, 788, and Anthony Eden, 759 votes.
Comparing the poll indicators and election results, Cayman NetNews' publisher, Desmond Seales expressed elation that the resultshave been this close, for a first-time polling effort.
"We're on a high," he exulted. "We conducted ascientific and fair voter survey and have come within 80 percentaccuracy and all results are not yet in."
ICCI's Administrative Aide, Mrs. Virginia Clarke, was equallyhappy with the results. "We thank Cayman Net News for havingour students participate in the recent Election survey,"she said in a release. "It was a learning experience. Wethank everyone who made it possible, as the polls were about 80percent correct."
Mr. Seales disclosed that his organization and ICCI will be conductinganother poll after the new government's first 100 days in office.