Complaints begin as pace of polling picks up
(CNS): By noon today more than 10,000 people, or over 42% of registered voters, had cast their ballot. But as the pace of voting picked up, complaints from voters also began to emerge about changes of address not making it to the register and voters being directed to vote in constituencies where they no longer live and where they have not been following the candidates closely.
A number of reports were also being made that some candidates have been engaging in meet and greets at polling stations, which is not allowed under the Elections Law.
CNS contacted the domestic observer team which has acknowledged the issues.
“We have a team of eight observers moving from polling station to polling station throughout the day. We are indeed aware of a number of situations where candidates or agents may have attempted to test the boundaries of what is appropriate,” said Hadleigh Roberts, the head of the team.
“This is both from first-hand observation from our people on the ground and information passed on to us. The observation mission is totally independent and separate from both the Elections Office and the Police so, although we welcome people drawing our attention to these matters, concerns should be raised through the proper channels,” he added.
However, he noted that with overall turnout already passing the 50% mark by 1pm, the election appears to be free, fair and well organised.
Nevertheless, footage is circulating on social media of Raul Nicholson-Coe
Raul Nicholson-Coe (IND): Candidate for West Bay South. He is the CEO/Owner of Catalyst, a mechanical, electrical and plumbing company. Biography: Nicholson-Coe has over twenty... More waiting at the West Bay South polling station and greeting voters. While he is not the only candidate reportedly engaging in voter interaction close to the stations, so far CNS has been unable to verify other reports.
Meanwhile, regarding the problems surrounding the voter register, it appears that voters have received emailed confirmation that their change of address has been acknowledged but that has not translated to the final register in use for this election.
While these voters have been told they can vote in the constituency where they are registered even though they no longer live there, this has caused some consternation because, believing that their change of address had been documented, they had followed the campaign in their new constituency.
But they find they must now vote for an MP who will not be directly representing them, which undermines the principle of single member constituency representation.
By and large, however, most voters encountered a smooth process. North Side is still leading the turnout and more than 51% of registered voters in that district had already cast their ballot by Noon. In contrast, Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman was trailing in voter turnout, as less than 33% of voters there had voted before lunchtime.
See the scene outside the WBS polling station below:
Category: Election News
