Official Numbers: Parliamentary Commissioner “Baffled” By Low Voter Turnout

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Following the official recount of votes cast in the Golden Isles by-election, Progressive Liberal Party candidate Darron Pickstock is confirmed as the new representative for the area.

He will fill the seat that was left vacant after former Cabinet Minister Vaughn Miller’s untimely passing in late September.

This morning, Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson broke down the numbers.

Harrison Thompson – Parliamentary Commissioner
“We have Mr Brown from the FNM 1,637 votes, Brown 1,637 votes, Ms Butler from the independent 16 votes, 16 votes from Ms Butler, Mr Pickstock PLP 1,873, and Mr Rolle from COI 352.”

Three thousand 884 ballots were cast, but six were spoiled, giving us the total of 3,878 counted.

But perhaps the bigger story: the low voter turnout.

Just 49% of the voters showed up at the polls.

Lower voter turnout was also an issue in the 2021 general election, when only 65% of residents voted.

Thompson says they’re a bit baffled about the numbers.

Harrison Thompson – Parliamentary Commissioner
“Cause we thought that would have been much more persona voting, particularly in a by-election when all the energy was focused on one constituency.”

Harrison Thompson – Parliamentary Commissioner
“I understand they were saying they don’t see the need to vote in the by election cause the general election should be held in the next year.”

The Boundaries Commission has yet to release its report, as rumors swirl about several possible constituencies.

Harrison Thompson – Parliamentary Commissioner
“I don’t think it would affect voting, I look forward to the general election the percentage going up higher like we did in the past.”

Harrison Thompson – Parliamentary Commissioner
“They would have to transfer and my team is ready for that we are planning ahead of time.”