BETTER TURNOUT THAN EXPECTED, AS BARBUDANS GO TO THE POLLS TO ELECT NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS

Residents on the sister-island went to the polls today to elect five new members to the Barbuda Council, as those seats have become vacant, and Returning Officer Vernest Mack described the elections as running smoothly and without hiccups.

Mack says the polls opened promptly at 7 a.m., with everything in place, and there have been no issues with the Internet.

A steady flow of Barbudans turned out to vote over the course of the day, as two parties – the Barbuda Peoples’ Movement (BPM) and the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) – and one independent candidate contested the polls. 

A source on the sister-island tells REAL News the turnout was much better than had been anticipated, taking the pandemic into account.

She felt that the process moved a bit more slowly than usual; but she says this was primarily due to the COVID-19 protocols, which are being enforced to ensure persons’ safety from infection.  

The BPM candidates are Nadia John, Nico Antonio, Melanie Beazer, Wayde Burton and Mackenzie Frank.

Representing the ALP are Tyrone Beazer, Wesley Beazer, Hasketh Daniel, Mackiesha DeSuza and Kelcina George.

Ordrick Samuel is the independent candidate.

Polling is expected to conclude at 6 p.m.