Record Turnout in First Falklands Election Held Under New Constitution

Voters in the Falkland Islands yesterday (5 November) exercised their right to democracy by casting their votes in the first election to be held since the new Constitution was adopted on 1 January 2009. The Constitution enhances local democracy and reinforces self-determination, which led to a record turnout of 1,232 (77.7 per cent of the electorate) going to the polls.Eight new Members were elected to the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, which is empowered to pass legislation for the peace, order and good government of the Falkland Islands. The number of candidates standing for