Voters registered to cast their ballots at the Esperance Regional Complex polling station described the process as easy and smooth despite it being a busy morning.
There was a steady stream of voters making their way into and out of the polling station mid-morning on Monday, when political leader of the Patriotic Front, Mickela Panday, went to cast her vote. She shared her thoughts upon exiting the bustling polling station.
“I’m just happy that people are exercising their democratic right. Obviously, I would like them to choose us but I’m just happy they’re exercising their democratic right and understanding how important it is to vote, so I’m happy that it’s busy and that it’s steady and yeah, really, really proud of what we’ve achieved.”
This was Ms. Panday’s first time contesting a General Election leading her own political party, an experience she described as “Empowering”. She previously contested as MP for Oropouche West in 2007 when her father, Basdeo Panday, was head of the UNC. It is also the first General Election since his passing with Ms. Panday expressing the feeling of his loss. When asked what his words of support today would be, this was her response.
“Well done Mick, you tried your best. Go get ‘em!”