Voters Rush to Register After Parliament is Prorogued

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The clock is ticking for voters and with a general election expected in the weeks ahead, many Bahamians are now rushing to get registered before the deadline.

For some, that last-minute push is coming with long lines, confusion, and frustration.

Our Delvardo Emmanuel checked out voter registration sites across the islands

Fredrick Douglas – Resident

“I figured Davis had at least a whole lot of people, knowing that this is rush time, you know, to push the people out. But that’s not happening. So I can’t wait any longer. I went to South Beach, they told me I have to come here. When I reached in Nassau, they’re telling me that I could have done this anywhere. So, you know, it was just one mix-up.”

That’s just one resident expressing his frustration and trying to make sure his name is on the voters’ register before the election is called.

Following Prime Minister Philip Davis’ call for residents to register before Easter during a televised national address Friday morning, Our News teams hit the streets.

We visited several voter registration sites, where many were making a last-minute push.

Our first stop was the Post Office at the Old Town Centre Mall, where dozens were seen sitting waiting their turn.

We then headed to the Parliamentary Registration Department on Harold Road, where the scene was much the same with long lines and lengthy waits.

Those we spoke with said that they’ve been waiting for hours and some even returning multiple times, just to complete the process.

Taja Deleveaux – Resident

“I would’ve already registered from two weeks ago. They sent me here Saturday to take the photo again. I took the photo again, and they can’t find the picture. They can’t find anything—the one that they would’ve filled out, none of them. The other one that they filled previously, that I’ve already had… and I’ve been here from probably 10:30, and it’s about 12:30.”

Judith Rahming – Resident

“I don’t know why it’s so slow and, you know, I asked if they have a seniors’ line or a line for persons with disabilities, and they told me no. Wherever your name is, that’s where it is, and you have to toe the line.”

Now, we also ran into Coalition of Independents candidate for Golden Isles, Charmaine Adderley. She’s also urging residents to go out and register.

Charmaine Adderley – Golden Isles Candidate, Coalition of Independents

“Even the ones who may not even want to vote—at least register, and you can still make your mind up when that day comes. But if you don’t register, that will be it for you for this election cycle.”