National

Chaos at C.V. Bethel High as Poles Close After 10 Pm

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – What was supposed to be a 6 p.m. end for voting in the advance poll, dragged on for four hours at C.V. Bethel Senior High School.

Published

6 months ago

May 1, 2026

Joshua Williams

NASSAU , BAHAMAS – What was supposed to be a 6 p.m. end for voting in the advance poll, dragged on for four hours at C.V. Bethel Senior High School.

When the Our News team arrived at the south New Providence school around 6 p.m., it was a chaotic scene, as arguments broke out in front of the polling division doors, with some even having to be separated by police.

Among those trying to keep the peace was Free National Movement attorney Lorna Longley-Rolle.

Lorna Longley-Rolle – Attorney, Free National Movement

“You do have people, however, with concerns who are traveling, and those persons, of course, want to exercise their rights. So I even foresee and foreshadow that we are going to be here very long into the night tonight.”

Her prediction proved true.

It was voters in the Pinewood constituency who had the worst experience.

They were only assigned one room for 14 polling divisions.

PLP candidate for the area, Myles Laroda, told us that he was especially concerned about the elderly.

Myles Laroda – PLP candidate, Pinewood

“Some of them fell ill, and I must give them credit for their resilience. It’s now 7:27, and we still have quite a way to go.”

So how critical was the situation?

Darren Henfield – FNM candidate, South Beach

“South Beach had on the register for the advance poll about 770 persons. We had two rooms assigned to us to vote in. Bamboo Town had about 1,200 persons on their list. They had one room assigned to them. I think Pinewood had around 700 persons as well, and they had one room. Logistically, it just doesn’t make sense.”

The last ballot was finally cast at around 10 p.m. last night.

Then the ballot boxes were transferred by police to the Parliamentary Commissioner’s Office.

Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain has been on record saying he doesn’t trust the advance poll, and with the big day just 11 days away, he said officials had better get it right.

Lincoln Bain – Leader, Coalition of Independents

“This should have never happened in our country, and this cannot be allowed to happen again. This is not just to criticize, but I have to speak out for them. What the elderly went through today was uncalled for. Persons left here in ambulances, and some said they’re just not going to vote.”