Numerous electors at the various polling places along the West Berbice district disclosed that the voting process was “easy” as they cast their votes for their next president. This newspaper visited several polling stations in the area where the general sentiments were that the voting process went smoothly.
The identification of voters was verified, as polling agents at this Belladrum polling station ensured the process ran smoothly
At the Belladrum primary and secondary schools, the presiding officers at each location mentioned there were no issues emanating from the voting process. Electors were assisted by polling agents as to what should be done and calmly cast their votes.
The process ran smoothly throughout the day.
At one of the polling stations, an 84-year-old voter said that he hopes that the next president will look into his concerns as a senior citizen.
He added that more needs to be done concerning medical care for senior citizens and he looks forward to the next president’s initiatives for “older folks”.
A 75-year-old at another polling place said he hopes to get better medical attention and an increase in his old-age pension when the government takes office. He was assisted by his relatives to the polling place where he cast his vote.
At the Youth Initiative Centre in the Weldaad area, voters lined up as they were taken through the voting process and guided to the ballot boxes. The presiding officer at that station told this publication, when it visited in the morning hours, approximately 120 voters already cast their ballots. As the day went by, more were streaming in. According to GECOM’s polling station list, about 393 electors were expected to vote.
In the Bush Lot area, voters assembled at the Latchman Singh Primary School where it was also reported there were no issues affecting the polling station. Persons were seen leaving the polling station early and heading back to their homes.
Many young persons were also at the polling place exercising their constitutional right. One youth said he would not be voting because he is confused as to what the political parties stand for. He added that all he hears are promises, and when he sees significant changes only then he will consider voting.
At the Hopetown Primary School, villagers were liming at the corners as they displayed their ink-stained fingers. It was a calm morning in the area as voters discussed what they are expecting from the next president.
The Commonwealth Observer Group was seen at the polling place at Bath Nursery School. Gerald Burton, one of the members of that group, related he did not encounter any problems at the polling place. He added that the polling agents were handling enquiries and voters effectively.
Concerning the claim made by the opposition party, Alliance for Change (AFC) that 135 of their polling agents were locked out, district returning officers for the Bath and Rosignol polling places said its claim was far from the truth. The officers disclosed the AFC agents were politely asked to remain outside, because they did not initially surrender any identification from GECOM when they were entering the polling places. An inquiry was made by the polling places’ officers and only then did the AFC agents submit their letters from GECOM. Subsequently, they were allowed to enter the polling places.
Community policing groups’ vehicles were seen going through various villages and polling places. In general, the atmosphere at the various polling stations along the West Berbice was peaceful, and many electors are pleading with citizens to ensure that this year’s elections remain calm one as it was in 2006.
