The standing for PLP MP Neletha Butterfield remained in doubt last night after a constituency vote in Pembroke West Central proved the tightest so far in the party’s primaries.The first count produced an unprecedented 35-35 tie between the incumbent Ms Butterfield and her challenger, Junior Finance Minister David Burt.Minutes later, a recount seemed to favour Estates Minister Ms Butterfield, by a margin of just one vote 35 to Senator Burt’s 34.However, a PLP spokesman later said: “At this time, there is no certified result that can be released by the Party.”“It was very, very close,” Ms Butterfield admitted afterwards, as branch members left the hall at West Pembroke Primary School.She added: “There were also quite a few of my own supporters that didn’t show up tonight” while Sen Burt declined to comment.However, questions over a spoiled ballot, and allegations that an underage relative of Ms Butterfield was said to have voted, prompted calls for a re-vote late last night.Meanwhile, Senator Kim Wilson defeated her three competitors by winning selection in Sandys South Central.The Economy, Trade and Industry Minister beat off competition from lawyer Larry Scott, PLP member Marcus Jones and party organiser Makai Dickerson.Fifth candidate executive officer Dawn Simmons failed to show at the candidate selection meeting at Allen Temple AME Church.The four-way battle ended with a victorious Sen Wilson, who was proudly wearing a green dress and a PLP pin, giving a heartfelt speech to thank her supporters.About 20 residents then stood in line to personally congratulate Sen Wilson on her win. Some people shook her hand, while others hugged her and kissed her. One woman was so excited she lifted Sen Wilson off her feet and swung her round in a circle.Sandys South Central MP Walter Lister, who is retiring, could be seen standing next to Sen Wilson and smiling. Other MPs in attendance at the meeting included Transport Minister Terry Lister, Attorney General Michael Scott and Sandys North Central Dennis Lister.Sen Wilson refused to talk to The Royal Gazette after the vote, but had handed out pamphlets to residents saying she had “a proven track record of knowledge, experience, passion and commitment”.It said Sen Wilson was “here to serve” and highlighted her strong sense of family values and community, her knowledge of law, order and justice and described how she was an independent thinker with innovative ideas.The pamphlet also listed Sen Wilson’s biography, saying she had been a PLP member since 1985 and was the granddaughter of R. Austin Wilson, a founding member of the BIU and PLP.Mr Jones, who formerly worked as the general manager of 9 Beaches, said he was “feeling good” about the result.He said: “I think democracy wins out. We are all committed to working together to help Kim.“Kim is an excellent candidate. The people have spoken and we respect their decision”.Mr Scott simply said: “I’m feeling fine, but I’m not allowed to speak to the press”.The four candidates stood shoulder to shoulder outside the church to greet about 100 residents of constituency 34 one by one as they arrived for the 7.30pm meeting.They appeared calm and could be heard saying to one another that “everyone’s a winner” but while waiting to give their speeches they admitted to being nervous.Over in Pembroke, National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief and Community Development Minister Michael Weeks were among the 70 members who attended the 7pm constituency 18 meeting. Deputy Speaker and MP Randy Horton, who in Wednesday night’s primary kept his place in Southampton West, was also present.Ms Butterfield and Sen Burt exchanged amiable words as they greeted arriving supporters, each handing out pamphlets.“Be nice to me, I’m a rookie,” Sen Burt joked to Ms Butterfield, who was the first to speak inside the hall.Emphasising “service and sacrifice”, Ms Butterfield described her own 18-year political legacy alongside the PLP’s struggles and its 13 years in power.After addressing a single question from the audience, she followed protocol and waited outside while Sen Burt spoke.Sen Burt’s speech touched on the community’s present-day concerns, and he fielded several minutes of questions.As ballots were collected and tallied at the front of the hall, murmurs grew louder as the closeness of the contest became apparent.An apparent tie had some party officials wondering if a new vote would have to be called, as some of the voters had already left the building.Following a recount, a new figure at 8.30pm appeared to secure Ms Butterfield’s candidacy by a one-vote margin but with no official result, the primary remains up in the air.Next week will see fresh challenges in Sandys North Central on Monday, followed by St George’s West and Hamilton West on Tuesday night.Last night the PLP refused to confirm the final voting numbers for both branch elections.Useful website: www.plp.bm.