Election candidates in Tobago have reported that the voting process was quick and easy. However, some minor challenges were reported.
People’s National Movement Tobago West Candidate Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis said she voted consecutive #82 and it was a smooth process. She also indicated there were no reports of challenges in the PNM camp in Tobago West.
“We did the necessary work that we were supposed to do by getting the letters and so on, and that was done prior, so we were already prepared. So I heard of another camp where they didn’t get their paperwork prepared, so they may have encountered some challenges, but for us it was smooth.”
TTT News also caught up with Tobago People’s Party Tobago West candidate Joel Sampson after he voted just after 8am at the Bon-Accord Government Primary School.
“The process was very good. It was smooth easygoing, no hassle. I had a good night’s rest. I got up this morning feeling in a good spirit. I prayed to the Almighty, and I started my day.”
The Innovative Democratic Alliance’s Kaye Trotman also voted at this polling station. She was joined by her mother, 82-year-old Stephanie Trotman. Like Mr. Sampson, the Trotmans said it was an easy voting process.
“Easy, straightforward and quick process. So I have dipped my fingers.”
The Patriotic Front’s Aretha Clarke was another candidate who expressed her voting process was simple.
Meanwhile in Tobago East, PNM candidate Ayanna Webster-Roy was among early voters. She was accompanied by her 18-year-old daughter, Keona Roy, a first-time voter.
“I was consecutive #4. That was the first time I was so early, but I wanted to be there early so that I could vote and support my daughter. I have a first-time voter in my house, so today was extremely special for me. She told me the process was really smooth for her. She was a bit nervous at first, but when she got in there, she knew what she had to do.”
Mrs. Webster-Roy said she received two calls – one man’s name was not on the list, and another man was registered in Trinidad.
We also met the TPP’s David Thomas, who said he received a report of an incident at the Mt. St. George polling station.
“Some people from opposing parties were conducting canvassing in close proximity to a polling station in Mt. St. George. It’s not that I do not expect it because, you know, sometimes people stoop to the lowest because they feel it is the only way to get by, but it was a disappointment, but life is like that. At the end of the day the ballots will be counted, and I have no fear that I will turn out to be victorious.”
There were nine candidates vying for the Tobago West seat and five for Tobago East.