ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The provincial election is not until Tuesday but Danny Williams' governing Tories have already taken their first seat.

Newfoundland and Labrador's chief electoral officer acclaimed Roger Fitzgerald the member for Bonavista South today.

Liberal candidate Clayton Hobbs withdrew from the race for unspecified health reasons negating the need for a vote.

Meanwhile, the vote has been postponed in the riding of Grand Falls-Windsor Buchans because of the sudden death of Liberal candidate Gerry Tobin earlier this week.

New nomination and polling dates have yet to be set.

That leaves 46 contested seats in Tuesday's general vote.