Fort Providence (Dec 13/04) - Michael Vandell, candidate for Fort Providence mayor, may be at the polls on election day discouraging voters from marking an "X" next to his name.

Vandell had been urged to run, but wants to withdraw from the Dec. 13 hamlet election because of personal reasons and other commitments.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affair's legislation won't allow it: candidates cannot pull out after 48 hours after submitting a nomination. His letter of withdrawal was rejected by MACA.

Consequently, Vandell said he's now considering putting up posters informing people they should vote for the other candidate, Margaret Thom.

"I'm going to support her. I'll support her 100 per cent," he said.

"She's more than capable of doing that job." If he should happen to win the election anyway, there's nothing preventing him from resigning immediately.