Drama Unfolds Outside of Police H.Q. and P.R.D. Over Ballot Boxes

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Drama unfolding on Tuesday outside of Police Headquarters on East Street after both the Free National Movement and Coalition of Independents, protesting the alleged removal of ballot boxes from police HQ to the Parliamentary Registration Department, claiming they weren’t aware.

Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles eventually invited party officials to meet with Parliamentary Registration Department (PRD) officials, where after that huddle, a decision was eventually made.

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement

“The boxes will not be moved..”

That was the result the crowd wanted as they cheered following Sands statement.

Also present on Wednesday night was the Office of the Prime Minister Communications Director, Latrae Rahming, who called last night’s event a deliberate attempt to create chaos.

Latrae Rahming – Communications Director, OPM

“Obviously the FNM believes that a strong narrative for them is ruining the reputation not only of The Bahamas but the hard-working civil servants who do this process.”

While all sides seemed to be on the same page, tensions soon rose again as both the COI and FNM jeered at each other as the meeting went on inside.

Eventually, a decision was made for the 12 boxes to be inspected Wednesday morning at Police Headquarters, then to be transferred to the PRD.

Lincoln Bain – Leader, Coalition of Independents

“There were a lot of loopholes in the system that we were able to negotiate between all three parties and all three of us agreed on everything.”

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement

“This meeting should have taken place prior to the planned movement of the ballots from the police armory here tonight. Sufficed to say now that it has taken place we have some more clarity.”

Keenan Johnson – Legal Advisor, Progressive Liberal Party

“We are at the stage of the process that we need to be united, everybody wants a free and fair election, everyone wants to ensure everyone has equal opportunity.”