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July 2005 Issue 
'Out for the Count'
Candidates awaiting announcement of election results from Douglas Sinclair

 

'News'
Have you ever wondered what happens to the Black Boxes containing all the ballot papers after the Polling Station has closed? On 5th May we attended this process being held in Fife College, Kirkcaldy for the new Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath Constituency.
Tables where the counting of the votes takes place
The boxes are transported securely and speedily to the central location where a record of their arrival is kept to ensure none have been mislaid anywhere. On this occassion, fifteen tables each manned by an average of four staff counted the ballot papers, a long process which requires speed and accuracy, but does span a number of hours. During this time photographers position their cameras for the best shot, newspaper reporters, TV presenters and party activists wait patiently for the outcome of all the hard work and canvassing that has taken place in the run up to the election.
Member of the press preparinghis copy
 Stuart Randall, Conservative candidate with his wife Liberal Democrat candidate Pensionners candidate
Members of the Press prepare their copy in readiness for publication while candidates wait in anticipation. The expected result is a foregone conclusion because Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer is the favourite to win, however as all Scottish Constituencies changed their makeup due to the boundary changes, the margin of majority is an unknown quantity. Eventually the candidates are invited to line up on the stage where Douglas Sinclair, the Chief Returning Officer, will announce the results. The long wait is over and the celebrations are about to begin for the winner. Gordon Brown wins the seat of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath by an 18,000 majority.
Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah surrounded by members of the Press
As Gordon and his wife Sarah try to leave the building they are swamped by members of the press all hungry for an interview and an exclusive photograph. We found the best vantage point was the balcony overlooking the main hall which was cordonned off as the 'Press Only' area, from here we saw everything from the counting of the votes to the announcement.

 

Editor

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