Fed: Too close to call Democrats leadership ballot: Ridgeway

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2001
Fed: Too close to call Democrats leadership ballot: Ridgeway

Australian Democrats Leader MEG LEES is defiant and proud of her record as she prepares
for the final verdict in her party's leadership ballot.

Senator LEES used the opportunity of a speech to The Economist Intelligence Unit in
Melbourne to place her achievements on the record.

Meanwhile, Senator STOTT DESPOJA says she does not expect to win tonight.

But she says she is ready to carry out her promise of reclaiming the party's past,
and build a strong future if the members so chose.

The count is set to begin in Adelaide at 7pm (CST) tonight, with counting expected
to take at least two hours.

It was Senator LEES' negotiations with the government over the GST which left enough
of the party membership unhappy to encourage Senator STOTT DESPOJA to challenge.

Senator RIDGEWAY, from New South Wales, and Queensland senator ANDREW BARTLETT are
contesting the deputy leadership.

That poll will be counted after the leadership vote and announced later tonight.

AAP RTV kjp/daw/pc/wz

KEYWORD: DEMOCRATS (CANBERRA)

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