A steady stream of voters turned out at two polling stations along the East-West corridor during the UNC’s internal elections on Saturday. Voting went smoothly for most people, but there were a few hiccups.
Voters from the Tunapuna district flocked to Hillview College, which was the only polling station in the area. Most of the voters were middle-aged and elderly.
[caption id="attachment_1090177" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ethwarie Jagroop, 82, left, and her husband Buchoon Jagroop, 84 speak to Newsday after voting at the St Augustine South Community Centre during UNC's national executive (natex) election on Saturday. - AYANNA KINSALE[/caption]
The information officer said almost 150 people had voted up to 11.30 am, with polls having opened at 8 am. She said the line was moving slowly as there was a crowd of people.
At least six dozen people were seen leaving the venue as they complained the process was taking too long.
One voter said, “People had to wait an hour, two hours to go and vote? Is a general election or what? We going back home. One man stand up by the desk 20 minutes.”
One man, after castigating another man for not voting for the Star slate, said, “You see, when people can’t get what they want, they switch.
[caption id="attachment_1090178" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Voters wait in line to vote at Hillview College during UNC's national executive (natex) election on Saturday. - AYANNA KINSALE[/caption]
“Look at Mickela, since the last election she should have been out talking to the people. You think people going and come out to vote for you because of your father side? Come out and do something, let people see what you’re doing. Go in areas, build yourself, do walkabouts.”
Attorney Larry Lalla, who is running for chairman as part of the United Patriots slate, said the fact that the line was long was a good sign.
“Voter turnout for the party seems to be good. Reports from around the country seems to be there’s a steady flow of votes. There were a few incidents here and there with people having a bit of negative enthusiasm, that’s what I would call it. But I think everything is running smoothly and that augurs well for the party so far.”
UNC senator David Nakhid said he had heard no reports of a serious nature and everything seemed to be running smoothly.
At the St Augustine South Community Centre, the information officer said as at noon, the turnout had been good, with 300 people coming out thus far. The voters ranged from first time voters to the very elderly.
[caption id="attachment_1090175" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MP for St Augustine Khadijah Ameen speaks with Karoon, left, and Shafique Ali after they were not allowed to vote because they were not in possession of a party card at the St Augustine South Community Centre during UNC's national executive (natex) election on Saturday. - AYANNA KINSALE[/caption]
“We’re seeing a greater turnout than usual this time around for the internal election. Last time we had approximately a bit over 400 people for the who
