It’s possible he will, but of course also possible that he won’t. Here’s why.
Pearse Doherty was elected on the first count with 18,898 votes, which put him 6,127 over the quota of 12,771.
That surplus of 6,127 is now being distributed, most of which is sure to go to Padraig MacLochlainn.
Padraig MacLochlainn is sitting on 9,799 and needs 2,972 to reach the quota and get elected.
Will he get 2,972 numbers twos from Pearse? Tallies are showing that he will get about 50-51% of Pearse’s transfers, which would be in the region of 3,000.
The curious thing about out PR system is that he is only allowed a percentage of the surplus.
According to a commentator on Highland radio, that percentage is 48%, because Pearse’s surplus works out as 48% of the total quota. However that was not confirmed.
Doesn’t figuring out our complex PR system keep us on our toes?
With margins as tight as this, every vote counts.
The second count is due to be announced within half an hour. Stay tuned.
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