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Gravel requests recount amid controversy |
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In a press release from her camp and circulated to various media outlets on Wednesday, Hélène Gravel – who finished second to Bernard Sévigny by only 122 votes in Sunday’s election – said that she will indeed be asking for a judicial recount of the results. 
PHOTO: DOUG MCCOOEYE Hélène Gravel will ask for a recount on the city’s close mayoral race.
“The candidate for the mayor of Sherbrooke, Madame Hélène Gravel, deposited (Wednesday) morning, according to the Quebec Courts, a request for a recount,” said the press release, citing the relevant law. “This request comes after the very close result in the municipal elections from this past Sunday.”
Indeed, Sunday’s voting results were extremely close. Leading for most of the night, Gravel was surpassed by Sévigny late in the counting to squeak out the victory; winning by a 0.2 percent margin.
Gravel affirms that she has every right to ask for a recount. “(Gravel) will leave it in the hands of the judicial system regarding the admissibility of her request,” notes the press release. “(I)t is completely legitimate to ask for a recount with the difference being so small.”
For his part, Sévigny is fine with Gravel’s decision.
“For me it changes nothing,” he said on Tuesday of Gravel’s right to demand a recount. “We will adjust if it is necessary. It is her legitimate right to ask for one. We will respect any decision that is made.”
Gravel’s camp can rest easy after the media turmoil of the last few days. TVA Sherbrooke, a local telvision station, will not be pressing charges against Gravel’s spouse, Dr. Guy Dumont, for a shoving incident involving him and TVA reporter Marcel Gagnon that was caught on video.
“Regarding the regrettable events of the last few days, (Gravel) would like to reassure the voters and confirm to them that in no way will she betray the confidence that they have given her,” said the press release.
Gravel feels it is her duty to ask for the recount considering all of the hard work that has been put in.
“Out of respect for (the voters) and for the massive amount of work done by the volunteers throughout the campaign, (Gravel) must proceed with this step to stamp out any doubt regarding the issue of the November 1st vote,” said the press release.
Gravel will hold a press conference early next week to reveal whether or not the Quebec Court will indeed proceed with a recount.
In a report released on Tuesday, Sherbrooke’s election office revealed that 570 of the 50,462 ballots cast for mayor were spoiled.By Doug McCooeye 2009-11-05 |
Montreal Canadiens
