Chaos in Central: Polling Day Pandemonium

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Chaos, confusion, and frustration erupted at the Central advance polls today, as hundreds waited for hours in the heat.

Some turned away, others left questioning the entire process.

From missing names to massive lines, Thursday’s’s advance poll quickly descended into disorder.

It was chaos from early morning at Kendal Isaacs, with angry voters packed the grounds, lines wrapping through the property, as people waited for hours just to cast a ballot.

For many, the process quickly became a nightmare.

Resident

“We’ve never seen an advance poll like this ever before. Something has to be done. I’m a poll worker and I can’t even go in the poll now, or they let me go through now.”

As the morning unfolded, voters shuffled between lines, confusion spreading from one constituency to the next, while the elderly and disabled sat exhausted in the scorching sun.

Resident

“It’s very discouraging to be sitting in the sun for so long.”

For some, after hours of waiting, the answer was still no.

This voter said she followed the rules, did what was asked within the deadline, only to be told she could not vote.

Resident

“Right now, they tell me I can’t vote because they didn’t transfer my papers over. Yes, and I’m right here sitting, waiting here now for the last couple of hours, and it’s a mess in there.”

Resident

“It’s a mess because I really wanted to vote. My vote should make a difference in this country.”

The confusion quickly spilled into politics, as candidates watched the chaos unfold in real time.

Senior political figure in the PLP, Glenys Hanna-Martin, said the agents were keeping watch.

Glenys Hanna-Martin – PLP candidate, Englerston

“The agents from every party, they’re scrutinizing the process, so, you know, if there’s a concern, it would be evident for all to see.”

Others defended the process, by saying human error was inevitable.

Mario Bowleg – PLP candidate, Garden Hills

“There are some persons who thought that they should have been on the advance poll and probably didn’t make the list, that there is always human error, so at the end of the day, they’re still on the main register, which will allow them to vote on May 12.”

Michael Halkitis – PLP candidate, Saint Barnabas

“According to the Parliamentary Registration Department, 26,000 people are registered for the advance poll, so, you know, 200 out of that is, I think, 1%. So if you get 99% right on any sort of project or exam, I think you’re doing well.”

Outside, the frustration was impossible to ignore.

Rick Fox – FNM candidate, Garden Hills

“For some reason, I would think that both Mario and I would like to see, along with the COI candidate Clara, to see the voters going in, and they don’t seem to be moving for some reason. I’m not sure why.”

Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles tried to bring order to the growing confusion.

Shanta Knowles – Commissioner, RBPF

“You can see what is happening out here. We were able to clear it up by opening a few more doors so that different constituencies can go to a different door. And the process inside is going smoothly.”

For many voters, the damage was already done.

Hours in the heat, missing names, and a process many called confusing and disorganized are now leaving some to question what could happen when the entire country heads to the polls on election day.