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.