British channel island Sark tasting democracy (From Guardian)

Turnout approaches 90% as 474 voters get their first taste of democracy

Some sat and attentively crunched the numbers as the count continued
late into last night. For other candidates hoping to win a place in
the history books as members of the first democratically-elected
government on the island of Sark it was just too much and they
adjourned to the fug of the bar upstairs - smoking is still allowed
here - and nervously nursed glasses of wine and beer.

The end of 450 years of feudalism on this three-mile chunk of rock has
been an exciting, but often tense process. "I couldn't stay in there
any longer," said one of the hopefuls, Christine Audrain. "I found my
jaw locking with tension. I had to come and have a glass of wine."

To the casual outsider the election must seem like a harmless bit of
fun. But for the people of Sark, the last bastion of feudalism in the
west, it is absolutely serious as the turnout showed, almost 90% of
the 474 electors.

Over the last weeks, months, even years, two factions battling for
control of the island's parliament, the chief pleas, have emerged.
Broadly one side supports the Barclay brothers, the multi-millionaire
twins who own the Telegraph and the Ritz hotel. They live on the
neighbouring island of Brecqhou and are ploughing millions of pounds
into Sark, refurbishing its muddy main street and buying up most of
the hotels.

In yesterday's Daily Telegraph, Sir David Barclay said he would be
"very tempted" to walk away from Sark if the "establishment" got
re-elected. Such a move would be disastrous because the Barclays
control so much of Sark's main industry, tourism. The "establishment"
Sir David is referring to is suspicious of the twins and more loyal to
the old feudal lord, the "seigneur", many of whose powers are being
swept away.

Last night there was no sign of the Barclays at the count. They are
not standing and did not vote. Nor was there any sign of their man on
Sark, estate manager Kevin Delaney, though he has put his name
forward. He said he was worried that it could turn ugly if he turned
up to the island hall for the count. A pin-striped lawyer sat in his
place to make sure all was fair.

Actually the atmosphere was more like a party. Children were allowed
to stay up late. Families made a night out of it. As the count neared
midnight, it was too close to call. Candidates branded "wholly
unworthy" of the voters' faith in a bulletin published by the Barclays
seemed certain to be heading for places in the parliament, which will
annoy the twins.

"The community is going to win," said one. Some of the Barclays'
favourites seemed to be struggling.

Earlier in the day under the eye of Sark's judge and returning
officer, not to mention a healthy selection of the world's press,
Roger Olsen was the first to cast his vote.

Olsen posted his slip, tapped the ballot box and declared it a "happy
day", adding: "Sark has an opportunity to express itself, to determine
its own destiny."

Suzie Thorpe was next to put her Xs besides her 28 preferred
candidates. "It's very exciting. It's good for the island," she said.
What issues was she concerned about? "We need a good, sustainable
economy. But we don't want the island to change too much. We don't
want any helipads, thank you," - a reference to a Barclay plan to
build one.

Peter Stisted, one of those candidates on the Barclays' "unworthy"
list said: "It's incredibly nerve-racking. I can't believe it's so
serious. It's one of the most important days of my life."

Publican Paul Burgess, who was on a second list of nine candidates who
have won the approval of the Barclays, braved bitter winds to station
himself outside the hall in a smart suit and bright pink tie to try to
mop up any waverers. Barring a recount, the Sarkees will be poring
over the results this morning trying to work out what sort of a
parliament they have chosen and wondering if it means the Barclays'
investment will dry up.

And after the election the hard work really begins - Sark has no civil
servants and the government's business is run by committee. When the
attention of the world's media has gone, there will be a great deal to
do.

Post by: TJC - just to prove that not only the MENA is looking for democracy