PLP condemns FNM blocking ballot boxes

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) sharply condemned what it described as the Free National Movement’s “unreasonable and unnecessary” behavior on Monday night during a tense conclusion to the advance poll for the Golden Isles by-election.

The confrontation unfolded as police officers and election officials prepared to transport sealed ballot boxes from the polling site to the Parliamentary Registration Department (PRD). According to officials on scene, the process had been scheduled and agreed upon in advance by representatives of all candidates.

However, witnesses said tensions escalated when a group of FNM supporters surrounded the vehicles designated to transport the ballot boxes. Some reportedly stomped on the vehicles and blocked them from moving in what observers described as a desperate attempt to disrupt the transfer.

The commotion erupted after FNM supporters noticed a visibly strong turnout for PLP candidate Darron Pickstock, with a significant number of advance poll voters seen wearing Pickstock-branded shirts and hats.

FNM representatives claimed that three of their election agents had been denied the opportunity to accompany the ballot boxes to the PRD vault. They also argued that the boxes should have been transported in a larger, more secure vehicle.

But Pickstock firmly rejected the FNM’s assertions. He said he was “completely satisfied” that the close of the advance poll followed the procedures unanimously agreed upon during a recent meeting with all candidates and their representatives.

According to Pickstock, agents from all sides were permitted to accompany the ballot boxes during their transfer, and there was no deviation from the established protocol.