Members of the House of Keys came close to filling the vacant seat on the Legislative Council today, but the position remains vacant.
Retired chartered accountant and former Laxey commissioner David Owens polled eleven votes, two short of the 13 required.
The other candidates, bank official and Ramsey commissioner Richard Radcliffe and former MHK and MLC Leonard Singer received five votes each.
Announcing the result Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan said there was one spoilt paper and two 'blank papers', where no mark had been made.
The Speaker called for fresh nominations, for what will be the fifth round of voting, to be submitted by 5pm this Friday.
The next election is due to take place during the sitting of the House of Keys on Tuesday, March 27.
(Images, left to right: Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan; the House of Keys; the legislative buildings in Douglas, from manxscenes.com).
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
