The numbers are in and they’re huge.
When Park Election Office head Gerritt Wezel booked today’s press conference, he didn’t expect to have to postpone it. But that he did— twice—because even though registration closed at noon, it took over three hours for Mr. Justice Augustus Dindon to certify the registration forms.
And the final number?
“Would you believe two hundred and seven?” Wezel told the press. “And only twenty per cent of those are repeats.”
Given the numbers and the limited amount of time for debate, those twenty per cent may regret their decision to stand as candidates.
That’s because, according to new rules put in place today, repeaters will be allowed to speak for only one minute, exactly half the time allotted to new candidates.
“We had to draw the line somewhere, or the debate would go on all night,” Wezel said. “And since we’ve already heard from them, I think that’s fair.”
As it is, since the debate will last almost seven hours, the starting time has been moved up to two o’clock in the afternoon. Candidates will begin filling the Ancient, Open-Air Theatre at noon, Wezel said, but attendees will not be allowed in until one.
If you’re planning to stay for the entire thing, however, there is one bright spot: refreshments will be available until eight o’clock, courtesy of The Compost Heap and The Battering Ram Café.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- The debate starts at two o’clock
- Attendees may come and go as they please
- There is no age limit, but remember that very young Animals may cause a disturbance and delay the proceedings
- Refreshments are available until eight o’clock
- POPS Election Day is November 7
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