FNM, COI Block Ballot Carrying Convoy From Leaving Remnant Tabernacle

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – What should have been a routine close to Monday’s advanced poll in Golden Isles erupted into a chaotic standoff last night, as supporters of the Free National Movement and the Coalition of Independents clashed with police over the transport of ballot boxes.

The confrontation unfolded outside Remnant Tabernacle of Praise on Carmichael Road, where just under 300 residents were eligible to vote early ahead of the November 24 by-election. The four candidates on the ballot are the PLP’s Darron Pickstock, the FNM’s Brian Brown, the COI’s Brian Rolle, and independent candidate Karen Butler.

But after the poll closed shortly after 6 p.m., tensions quickly escalated.
A police vehicle attempting to exit the compound with the ballot boxes was physically blocked by COI Leader Lincoln Bain, FNM Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright, and FNM Golden Isles candidate Brian Brown. Dozens of supporters from both parties crowded the gate, shouting, pushing, and demanding transparency before the boxes were removed.

Bain says he intervened after noticing what he described as discrepancies in the handling of the ballot materials.

“At one point they were just trying to send the envelope without putting it in a sealed box,” Bain claimed.
“Then they brought a small, closed van. Normally you are able to accompany the box. I’ve done it many times. This time they wanted to send it off where we couldn’t see what was happening.”

FNM attorney Khalil Parker echoed those concerns, explaining that all parties had previously agreed that ballot boxes would be transported in a larger vehicle with representatives accompanying them, a practice he said ensures fairness and trust in the process.

“We had to intervene,” Parker said.
“The vehicle being used was not the one agreed to by the parties. Eventually, the correct bus was brought, but only after objection.”

Parker also raised questions about how the ballot boxes were sealed and stored, insisting that they should remain secured and unopened until Election Day.

FNM Leader Michael Pintard, also present at the scene, said the party will continue to push for transparency in the by-election process.

“We must ensure the election is not only fair, but seen to be fair,” Pintard said.
“When you stand up, governments do the right thing.”

The standoff lasted more than 20 minutes before police cleared the way and the boxes were eventually transported under the updated terms agreed upon by party representatives.

Despite the heated scenes, authorities reported no injuries.

The Golden Isles by-election is scheduled for next Monday, with all eyes now on whether tensions will flare again as the official voting day approaches.