Parlimentary Commissioner “Surprised” At Low Voter Turn Out

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The polls are closed, ballots counted and recounted, and the decision has been made.

The Progressive Liberal Party returns to office for a second term.

While the Parliamentary Registration Department touted that there were more than 200,000 registered voters, The Tribune reported on Thursday that just 58 percent turned out to the polls, something Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson said shocked him.

Harrison Thompson – Parliamentary Commissioner

“I’m a bit surprised the low voter turnout was that low because the energy seemed to be a little higher. There seemed to be a lot of challenges. I think they decided to stay away from the polls. I’m not sure why.”

Many reported a smooth and easy process on election day, with moving lines and shorter wait times, a correction to challenges experienced a few weeks back on advanced poll day.

But earlier, the Commonwealth Observer Group sounded the alarm over the general election, warning that many of the same issues identified years ago still exist today, from campaign finance concerns to questions about constituency boundaries and ballot security.

Harrison Thompson – Parliamentary Commissioner

“They might call on me before they leave, but I have no problem speaking with them. I serve as an international observer in many countries around the world, so I understand their role. Their role is to come and observe and make recommendations to the government of the day.”

And of course, Wednesday’s results following the Pinewood recount caused drama.

With Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain threatening to take the decision to Election Court.

Harrison Thompson – Parliamentary Commissioner

“We live in a democratic society, and everyone has the right, if they feel they were unjustly dealt with, so we’ll see what happens in that case.”