Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 08/99) - It just goes to show that every vote counts.

The new Yellowknife South MLA hasn't been named yet because a judicial recount has been called in the riding.

There were only 12 ballots separating candidates Brendan Bell (left), who had 359 votes, and Pat McMahon who finished with 347. Mary Beth Levan was third with 181.

"I'm really not surprised it was close," said Bell.

"We knew our team was in the race from going door-to-door, but I also knew the other candidates had terrific support."

Elections NWT co-ordinator of training and information, Brian Armstrong, said a recount must be called if the difference between two candidates is less than two per cent of the total number of votes. In the Yellowknife South riding, a two per cent spread is 23 votes.

To begin the recount process, the returning officer must submit an application to the court within eight days of the election. The courts then have 10 days to do the recount. The whole process can take up to two weeks.

Bell, who is 28, sounded optimistic that the count would reaffirm the current results.

If sworn in as the next Yellowknife South MLA, Bell would be the youngest MLA in the legislature.

"I don't think my age is a hinderance. I think all the new MLAs have a lot to learn, but there's no shortage of good people to learn from," said Bell.

Incumbent Pat McMahon wasn't ready to comment until the official results are in.

"I think we all knew it was going to be close. At this point, I think it's not appropriate to comment until the recount is done," said McMahon.