Voters and Candidates in the South Left Frustrated by Long Lines and Heat

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The frustration boiled over to voters in southern New Providence from long lines and flaring tempers.

Voter

“How many classrooms did the school have? Why are we just using one? How many classrooms does this school have?”

Chaos unfolded at C.V. Bethel High School.

Long lines, blistering heat, and exhausting wait times, with some even falling ill, were the story for voters on Thursday.

At the station, there was only one entry point and four classrooms available, and voters were fed up.

Voter

“They got like three or four polling divisions using the same door, the same classroom. That doesn’t make any sense.”

Voter

“People are turning around, not voting because it’s so chaotic and stressful out here. I’ve been here since 8 o’clock. I don’t even know what time it is, but I have to go to work.”

Voter

“I have my job to go to. I’m hungry and everything. I have my child and grandchild to take care of, but I have to be here five hours just to cast one vote.”

It wasn’t just voters, both sides of the political divide stood in unity, expressed frustration.

Dr. Duane Sands – FNM candidate, Bamboo Town

“The process has been an absolute disaster. Bamboo Town has 1,200 people on the advance poll register in one room.”

Richard Johnson – Voter

“And if this is chaotic now, you can imagine during the election.”

The returning officer, Marco Rolle, said much of the delay was a result of those who applied for the advance poll online, but whose names were not printed on the register.

Marco Rolle – Returning officer

“As long as they can produce a receipt, the receipt showing that, all of the presiding officers, I’ve been so advised by the returning officer who has oversight of the operations here, we have made sure that this message from the commissioner has been communicated to them.”