WITH the margin just a nail-biting 22 votes at the Tennant Times deadline on Wednesday – it has been the topic of conversation for the region’s political punters.

With the narrowest of margins between Labor’s Sid Vashist and Country Liberal’s Steve Edgington, the winner can not be decided until today’s official declaration when the postal vote deadline expires.

In the lead is Sid, the former electorate officer to the former Member for Barkly – Gerry McCarthy.

“With no incumbent, the Barkly was always going to be an interesting seat to watch and it has certainly been a wild ride!” said Sid.

“We will know the outcome later today so the long wait is nearly over.

“In the meantime, my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who has supported me in so many ways during my campaign.”

Steve, commonly referred to as ‘Edgo’, said he always believed the 2020 election for the Barkly would be a tight contest.

“That’s exactly how it has turned out with votes continued to be counted,” he said.

“I’m proud of the efforts of my team and I thank every one of them for the support they have given me during the campaign. 

“I certainly would not have been able to achieve such a large swing back to the CLP without their commitment and dedication to making change for the Barkly.

“It’s been a nervous wait for the final count and with only postal votes remaining to be counted I would like to thank all residents in the Barkly electorate for their ongoing support.

“Putting the Barkly back on the map has always been my focus and I will continue fighting to make the Barkly the best place in the Territory to live, work, visit and invest in.”