GEORGE TOWN,Cayman Islands – The People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) emerged as the winner in the general election in this British Overseas territory, according to results announced today.
The PPM, led by Alden McLaughlin, took 9 of 18 seats, just one shy of the majority while former Premier McKeeva Bush’s United Democratic Party (UDP) won four seats. Five independent candidates were also victorious at the polls.
According to political observers it is likely that the PPM will have to form a coalition government that could be led by McLaughlin.
The current Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, who replaced Bush after he was removed in a no-confidence vote, won the seat in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman where she ran as an independent.
The PPM had the most success in the large George Town district, winning four of six seats, along with Bodden Town, where it won all four seats. TheUDP won all four seats in the West Bay district.
McLaughlin, a former Education Minister, told the Cayman Compass newspaper that his party would look to work with any of the independent candidates, including the Coalition for Cayman candidates, to form a government.
“We have got nine seats, so we have to go now and talk to everybody in the piece about their willingness to work with us,” he said. “The country does not need any more division.” (CMC)
