High numbers of voters crowding Electoral Commission at this time, PRO confirms, but the situation is not chaotic

The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) is dealing with a high volume of traffic in these days leading up to the General Election.  Reports say persons are rushing in to have lost cards replaced, collecting new cards, and applying for transfers, as well.

As a result, there are public reports that there is chaos at both the Commission and at the Registration Units. 

ABEC’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Elisa Graham, admits that large crowds are turning up at the office; but she denies that the situation has been chaotic.

Graham confirms that a number of persons who were unable to complete their transfers prior to the election date being announced are now seeking to do so.

Since last week, and on a daily basis, more than 200 people are showing up at ABEC’s headquarters to complete various processes related to the General Election, she says.

Due to the large volume of people, Graham says that everyone might not get through in a timely manner, since some persons take time off from work and have to return before a process is completed.

The PRO says, however, that accommodations have been put in place for these persons to return after regular work hours and have their business completed.

Meanwhile, Graham says that the process for completion of transfers has stopped.  Persons can still make an application to be transferred, she says, but it would not be completed at this time.