Duke in lead in PSA elections

Sitting president of the Public Services Association (PSA) Watson Duke is in the lead in the union's elections, according to figures released by the association as of 11 am on Tuesday.

Duke who has served as the leader of the PSA since 2008, was in the lead with 645 votes. Leader of the United Public Officers slate Oral Saunders followed with 381 votes.

Nixon Callender and Curtis Cuffie had received 183 and 169 votes respectively, while leader of the Labour Warriors Ian Murray had 167 votes.

Gregory Cova of the Premium Value team had 121 votes as of midday.

Responding to Newsday's questions via WhatsApp on Tuesday, Duke said he was confident he would retain his leadership and estimated the final count would be completed by 5 pm.

Newsday also spoke to Murray, who said as votes continue to be counted, more legal action against the association was possible, owing to concerns of voter padding in some areas.

Despite these concerns, Murray said he was still confident of his team's chances at victory, noting he felt he had managed to gain the support of members from various regional health authorities.