An estimated $2 MILLION was spent by candidates bent on wooing voters in the January 15 general election that swept the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) into office.

The figures, that showed one Barbados Labour Party candidate spending over $61 000, became public over the last week with a summary of election expenses published in both daily newspapers.

The list shows the expenses of 59 of the 66 candidates
from all three parties: the DLP, BLP and the People's Empowerment Party (PEP).

With seven candidates' figures still to be published,
the expenses now stand
at $1.79 million. With the remaining candidates gauged to spend an average of $15 000, the final figure is expected
to be just over $2 million.

Grace periods

Acting Supervisor of Elections Ian Browne said the deadline for submission of expenses by the candidates was seven weeks after elections, but some candidates had been given grace periods because of travel and other commitments.

The figures, while high, are not alarming since, according to Browne, the law allows each candidate to spend a maximum of $10 per registered voter.

Not only did no candidate spend more than $61 000,
but Browne stated that none spent beyond their constituencies' limit.

Topping the list of campaign spenders was Christ Church West MP William Duguid, who accounted for $61 851.59. He was followed by new Opposition Leader Mia Mottley with $55 880.63, losing St Michael North West BLP candidate Clyde Mascoll ($54 521.36), losing DLP first-timer Francis Depeiza ($54 500), St Thomas MP Cynthia Forde ($53 025, losing BLP candidate Rommell Marshall ($51 425), losing DLP candidate Dalton Lovell ($50 707.73), and losing BLP candidate Anthony Wood ($50 198.62).

Those in the $40 000 spending bracket were Reginald Farley ($44 422.31), Jeffrey Bostic ($42 302.99), George Griffith ($42 200.40), Ian Gill ($40 829.50), Rev. Joseph Atherley($40 770.84), Dr. Jerome Walcott ($40 472.53) and Prime Minister David Thompson ($40 374.82).

The candidate spending the least was Rodney Nurse, who reported $3 387.35, contesting the Christ Church East seat on a PEP ticket. Former Prime Minister Owen Arthur spent $18 000 in the St Peter constituency which he has held for 24 years.

Candidates whose expenses are yet to be published – in accordance with the provisions of Section 59 of the Representation of the People Act, Cap. 12 – are Michael Lashley, Chris Sinckler, Michael Carrington, James Paul, Stephen Lashley, John Boyce and Ronald Jones.