advancepolls

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advancepolls

Tensions boil over: Ballot transfer sparks turmoil at Golden Isles advance poll

Chaos erupted outside Remnant Tabernacle on Monday night as the advance poll came to a close. What should have been a routine transfer of ballot boxes spiraled into a heated standoff, with shouts and blockades over trust in the electoral process.

As the vehicle carrying the ballots attempted to leave the church grounds, the Free National Movement and the Coalition of Independents rushed to block the exit, forming a barrier. Party officials accused the Parliamentary Registry of violating the agreements meant to safeguard the voting process.

FNM attorney Khalil Parker said the confrontation exploded the moment those agreements were ignored.

“There are certain things we agreed on… the packaging of the votes, the destination of the votes, the escort of the votes. There was an attempt to take the ballot box in a vehicle that was not agreed on by the parties,” Parker said.

He insisted the ballots were supposed to leave in a larger bus, accompanied by representatives from each party, not whisked away in a smaller, unauthorized vehicle.

To cool the tensions, election officials eventually reversed course, and the ballot boxes were escorted as agreed.

Hear what Brian Brown had to say: Click here

But Parker said the night’s chaos was only the latest breach. Earlier, he claimed, word had spread that the ballots would not be stored at the Parliamentary Department vault, despite an agreement guaranteeing that location.

“We had mixed reviews and commentary all day that it was going elsewhere,” he said.

“Elections should be free and fair.”

FNM Leader Michael Pintard fired sharp criticism at the government, saying the standoff proved why vigilance is necessary.

“When you stand up, governments will do the right thing. We must continue to stand up.”

He also raised deeper concerns, claiming the returning officer was the former campaign general for Prime Minister Philip Davis.

“He is not the most appropriate person to be the returning officer,” Pintard said.

“We should make sure the election is seen to be fair. There are too many conflicts of interest… and we will not stand for it.”

Pintard said the FNM intends to inspect the vault where the ballots will be stored.

He ended the night with a stark accusation: “We saw unfairness today. Members of the PLP were interfering with people as they came to vote. This government operates in a way that fuels conflict and chaos.”

 

Why today’s advance poll matters for Golden Isles

With just one week before the Golden Isles by-election, today’s advance poll offered the first glimpse into voter energy and exposed the rising tension surrounding one of the most-watched political races of the year.

The advance poll, held at Remnant Tabernacle of Praise Church on Carmichael Road, brought out seniors, law enforcement officers, and other approved early voters. But outside, the atmosphere reflected how high the stakes have become.

A charged atmosphere outside the polls

Supporters from the major parties gathered near the voting site, trading chants and jabs as police worked to keep the area orderly.

At one point, PLP and COI supporters shouted slogans at each other, underscoring the fierce competition for the seat left vacant after the passing of MP Vaughn Miller.
Noise complaints also surfaced, with both PLP and COI representatives objecting to loud music coming from the Free National Movement’s area.
FNM Leader Michael Pintard brushed off the criticism, calling the disputes “sideshows,” while PLP candidate Darron Pickstock argued that either all parties should be allowed to play music or none at all.
The Coalition of Independents, meanwhile, pressed officers to intervene as tensions rose.
Despite the exchanges, election officials confirmed that the voting process inside remained smooth.

Why the advance poll matters

While the number of voters participating in advance polling is typically small compared to the full electorate, today’s turnout and the intensity outside the polling stations are early signals of momentum heading into November 24.
Here’s why today’s advance poll is important:

1. It gauges voter energy

Advance polls often show which base is more motivated. Parties will quietly study energy levels to assess whether their supporters and voters are mobilized.

2. It tests campaign messaging

The noise disputes and back-and-forth chants reveal which narratives will resonate and how strongly supporters and voters feel going into the final stretch.

3. It sets the tone for byelection week

What played out today is likely a preview of what’s ahead. Campaigns will analyze the mood outside today’s voting site and fine-tune their strategy for November 24.

What’s at stake on November 24

The Golden Isles by-election is more than a constituency vote.
The outcome will:
  1. Determine who represents one of New Providence’s fastest-growing constituencies.
  2. Serve as an early measure of political momentum before the next general election.
  3. Shape the narrative on key voter concerns like trust in government, oversight, cost of living, etc
With tensions already running high, today’s advance poll shows the by-election will not be a quiet day. The real test comes next week, when the wider Golden Isles electorate heads to the polls.

Shouting matches and noise complaints at early voting signal high stakes in Golden Isles race

Tensions ran high outside the Golden Isles advance poll on Carmichael Road Monday morning, as supporters and candidates traded accusations, challenged one another over loud music, and pushed their party messages ahead of the November 24 by-election.

Supporters Trade Chants

The morning began with a heated exchange between supporters of the Progressive Liberal Party and the Coalition of Independents.
PLP supporters chanted “Stinking Lincoln,” while COI supporters fired back with “Thieving Brave.”
Despite the noise, voting for seniors, law enforcement officers, and other eligible early voters proceeded inside Remnant Tabernacle of Praise Church.

FNM Leader: “We’re Focused on Brown”

Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard dismissed the noise complaints directed at his party, calling them “sideshows.”
Pintard said the FNM is focused on supporting its candidate, Brian Brown, and would only address the noise issue if someone can show him the specific law that was violated.

PLP Candidate: “All or None” When It Comes to Music

PLP candidate Darron Pickstock weighed in as well, saying either all parties should be allowed to play music outside the polling site, or none at all.
His comments followed an exchange between police and COI Leader Lincoln Bain, who raised concerns about the loud music coming from the FNM area.
Election law does not explicitly ban music within 100 yards of a polling station, but presiding officers may stop activities that disrupt order.

WHAT’S AT STAKE ON NOVEMBER 24

The Golden Isles by-election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political events of the year.
The result will determine:
  • Who fills the vacant parliamentary seat, replacing outgoing MP Vaughn Miller.
  • The balance of political momentum heading into the next general election cycle.
  • How voters respond to competing narratives on the direction of the country, leadership, cost of living, etc–issues that have been raised in the race.
With early voting already revealing tension and passion among supporters, all eyes are now on November 24, when the wider Golden Isles electorate heads to the polls.

‘Growing Pains’ at the Advance Polls

As voters cast their ballots at the advance polls on Thursday, many news agencies have characterized the process as ‘not smooth.’

   

Voters turned out in large numbers at polling stations, standing in long lines and complaining of the wait time.

Sporadic crowds were seen at some stations as the COVID-19 Task Force sought to ensure order to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Former PM Hubert Ingraham said he nor his wife’s name was on the list for the advance poll.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham left the polling station frustrated after he complained that his name was not listed at either of the two polling divisions he attended.

He later returned and was allowed to vote after an apology by Parliamentary Commissioner Lavado Duncanson.

But Minister of National Security Marvin Dames with responsibility for the Parliamentary Registration Department said he is “not surprise” at the complaints and agitation by some voters due to the increased number of voters including the elderly, allowed to vote at the advance polls.

Senior citizens are allowed to vote early to prevent exposure to the virus and long waits on lines on Election Day.

Dames said, “We would have recently had amendments to the Act. In 2017, we had a central area where advance poll voters were allowed to come and vote. That was when we had some 3,000 voters.  This is like a mini election. We have 30,000 voters.

“You’re going to have your growing pains. This is the first time we are doing this. The growing pains are not significant to really impact people’s right to vote. People are being allowed to exercise their right to vote,” Dames said.

He said his team will “continue to forge forward” and debrief to ensure a smoother running on September 16.