Confusion At The Gate Over The Balot Box, Access, And Music

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The advanced poll for the Golden Isles by-election got off to a tense start Monday morning, as a confrontation unfolded between Coalition of Independents (COI) members and police officers stationed at Remnant Tabernacle of Praise.

COI leader Lincoln Bain and several supporters attempted to enter the polling station but were stopped at the gate by officers. The standoff triggered a loud, heated back-and-forth between supporters and police before the situation calmed.

The COI insisted officers had no authority to stop voters at the gate or check documents before entering. Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson later clarified the proper procedure.

“The police working on the instructions of the presiding officer control that area to ensure equality for everyone and that everyone who qualifies can be facilitated,” Thompson said.

Media were also blocked from entering by police. Thompson explained that the decision to allow passage ultimately rests with the officer on duty.

Noise from the Free National Movement’s tent also became a point of contention. Both the COI and the Progressive Liberal Party complained that music playing throughout the morning violated polling station rules.

Thompson said all parties were reminded of acceptable conduct.

“The law provides for them to be at least 300 feet away from the polling station. We compromised because of the location and allowed them to be outside the gate, but made it clear they must control their noise,” he said.

Adding to the tension were rumors that the ballot box would be transported to the Office of the Commissioner of Police instead of the Parliamentary Commissioner’s Office, where it is traditionally secured. COI members threatened to block the removal of the box if this occurred and claimed the FNM would join them.

Thompson dismissed those claims.

“The Parliamentary Commissioner has made a decision that the ballot box, as usual, will be kept secured within the Parliamentary Commissioner’s presence,” he confirmed.

Despite the confrontations, Thompson characterized the overall demonstration as peaceful.