That election in full

 Counting started about 6.30 - its a new system so everyone is very careful. 100 votes in little blue envelopes go into a big yellow envelope, then each yellow envelope of 100 goes to the counters who will open and check each vote in the blue envelopes before counting them.

 -At first he numbers don't tally so the envelopes are emptied and recounted after each of  the candidates has rechecked the number of voters -

 When the first yellow envelope is passed to the first counters at 7.15  there is a small smattering of ironic applause. The hall is crowded. Each liste is of 20 people all of whom have families and friends, plus the municipal workers are out in force. At 7.28 I smiled at Jean Torrent and gave him the thumbs up - he smiled and shook his head.  (Im texting Bob throughout so my timings can be pedantic )
At 7.48 first envelope is counted and Georges is on top...

Each envelopes is checked for any mark which will invalidate it - ANY mark, this year no crossings out or substitutions are allowed, only the folded paper with the names of the preferred list

Our third policeman stands on the stage and writes the numbers as they are reported to him, added each column - Rivano, Torrent, Reverte and spoilt vote - to ensure he has 100. Out of a voting population of 1465, 1117 turned out (though this figure was changed later to 1118)

By 8.10 Kat and I are trying to find out what constitues an outright majority. If no one party gets one the election continues next weekend. The socialists have done a deal to unite in that eventuality but its begining to look like they have so far just split the vote.

 

And at last, tummys rumbling all around, the total; Philippe Rivano 119, Jean Torrent 329, Georges Revert 618. A clear majority. Esperaza has a new leader.

The old leader and team gallop to Plan B where a sumptious repas awaits, thank heavens! Starving -

Kat chummed me to the party and short shrift was made, a good hearted and rather relieved evening passed.

I proposed a toast to the next time and got no takers. 'Never again', said Jean and his wife - the gossip and innuendo of the last weeks has taken its toll, I fear. Msr Ortega is to spend more time with his wife in a house in the countryside they are doing up; most of the team had contingency plans.



Its been a wonderful experience getting to know this lot and Im hoping that our new friendships will continue -