Mount Gambier’s candidates for this month’s State Election took centre stage at The SE Voice’s candidate forum on Sunday afternoon.

Independent Troy Bell and Liberal Ben Hood were joined by Labor MLC Clare Scriven who had to stand in for Labor candidate Katherine Davies.

Mr Bell told those gathered the March 19 poll “could be one of the most unique elections” for the seat of Mount Gambier, given the low number of candidates.

“I cannot predict the outcome of the election … because I just do not know what’s going to happen,” he said.

“There is a fair chance that neither side can form government and if that is the case the Independents are going to play a role like we have never seen before.

“I have spent the last four years working with the other Independents on a daily basis … making sure as Independents we have a common goal and common purpose.

“It is a very difficult place in parliament if you are an Independent.

“We will see what happens in three weeks’ time.”

The SE Voice invited readers to submit questions to the candidates, who addressed the crowd of more than 50 gathered in City Hall.

The questions focussed on the needs of the Blue Lake city and surrounds, with many about health funding and infrastructure upgrades.

There was also interest as to how preferences would be allocated with only four candidates on the ballot paper.

Mr Bell urged people to seriously consider when allocating preferences on election day, however he said he would be preferencing the Liberal Party ahead of Labor “as recognition to my former party”.

Ms Scriven said no decisions had yet been made for Mount Gambier preferences, but admitted it would be “unusual to preference the Liberals second”.

This was reiterated by Mr Hood, who encouraged voters to “exercise that really democratic vote” but said no decision had yet been made for Mount Gambier and presumed that Mr Bell would be preferenced second on his ticket.