ONLINE VOTING introduced by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) to help in the selection of the SweetSoca Competition finalists has been thrown out because of faults within the system.

This was revealed yesterday by NCF's corporate communications specialist Wayne Simmons.

He also said the online activity surpassed expectations.

"However, upon close observation, an anomaly in the online voting was detected which led to the discovery of a flaw that was leading to a manipulation of the outcome of the vote," the NCF statement said.

Against that background "and in order to maintain the integrity of the competition while still permitting public participation, the National Cultural Foundation has advised the sponsors of the SweetSoca Competition: 98.1 The One and Banks, of the decision to immediately cancel the online voting component".

Simmons said voting by text using LIME and Digicel remained and votes cast online would not be considered.

He said the online voting was a response to the demand for a calypso competition which involved the public.

"It was determined that the public would vote for the eight finalists either by texting using LIME or Digicel services, or by voting online.

"These processes were considered as the two which afforded the greatest opportunity for everyone to participate."

Sixteen semi-finalists were chosen by a panel of judges and announced as competing in the 98.1 The One/Banks Sweet Soca Monarch Competition.

They are: Statement, All Night Till Mornin'; Blood, Back It Up; William Watts, Busted; Li'l Rick, Carnival Jucks; Mr Dale, Come Out; Lorenzo, Good Vibes; TC, Hot Sun & Riddim; Tarah Holdipp, Hottie Hottie Gal; Mikey, I In Dat; Outpatients, Keep Drinks Coming; Tasha, Move Over; Peter Ram, Peter Pan; Khiomal, Trouble; Sir Ruel, We Come To Party; Natahlee, What We Do; and Brett, Wining Zone. (JS)