Mt. Moriah and Ft. Charlotte: Long Lines and Waiting

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Some advance poll voters at H.O. Nash High School spent hours in the heat Thursday, as long lines, slow movement, and accessibility concerns tested patience at the Fort Charlotte and Mt. Moriah polling station.

At one point, a voter even collapsed while waiting. But despite the delays, many still stayed the course to cast their ballots.

Resident

“I gotta go sit under the tree before I fall out.”

That was the reality for some voters earlier, as residents turned out to cast advance ballots for the Fort Charlotte and Mt. Moriah constituencies.

Long lines, hot conditions, and lengthy waits frustrated many.

Voters arrived in party colors, some walking, others using canes or being pushed in wheelchairs, with party supporters also transporting elderly and disabled voters to the site.

While many expected a quick and smooth process, some first-time advance poll voters were met with hours of waiting.

Jael Peters – Voter

“It was smooth sailing coming up toward the door, but there were some people starting the line who had just arrived, and they were able to go straight into the door.”

Nyesha Hutchinson – Voter

“It could’ve been a little bit more organized. In my opinion, I think if they had a little more separation for the elderly, that would help things move smoother.”

But for others, the process was smooth.

Christina Williams – Voter

“At first, the line was long, but once they opened the gate, everybody went in. They didn’t stop anyone, and then they directed you according to your surname.”

Ronald Simms – Voter

“The most difficult thing was waiting in line for the poll, but once the polls opened, it went very smoothly.”

PLP, FNM, and Coalition of Independents candidates also weighed in, pointing to the need for better organization.

Linda Stubbs – Mt. Moriah candidate, COI

“I would’ve loved to have seen more accommodation for the elderly and disabled, as opposed to able-bodied persons being mixed in with them and causing bottlenecks.”

Marvin Dames – FNM candidate, Mt. Moriah

“When we had advance polling, constituencies would have one room and the process went smoothly. I can’t understand today why we’re having so many problems.”

McKell Bonaby – PLP incumbent, Mt. Moriah

“I think in Mt. Moriah we should’ve had the process a lot faster, especially being advance polling, where we have a lot of elderly individuals.”

The slow pace and scorching heat forced some voters to find shade and even pulled up chairs while waiting.

While Our News team was on scene, one person collapsed, and prompted assistance from those nearby, including Fort Charlotte MP Sebas Bastian, who helped bring in an additional 200 chairs.

Sebas Bastian – MP, Fort Charlotte

“There will be postmortems on how to make election day even more efficient and effective in terms of moving the lines forward faster and improving comfort, including providing wheelchairs.”

In the end, despite the heat, delays, and frustrations, many voters said they were determined to see it through.

Perky O’Brien – Voter

“I had a mission, and I stuck it out to accomplish that mission.”