Long wait frustrates voters at community centre in St Catherine South Eastern

Some voters who showed up to cast their ballots at the Edgewater Community Centre in the St Catherine South Eastern constituency have reportedly left without voting as they have been waiting for an inordinate period of time.

This was of particular concern at polling station 88.

The Star sought information on the situation from the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) supervisor at the scene, who said "no comment".

Grace Nelson, who showed up to vote with her disabled stepson, was unhappy with the lethargic approach being taken by the EOJ staff.

She complained that several persons who turned up to exercise their franchise left after waiting for hours to cast their ballots.

Nelson said she had to engage EOJ staff to ascertain why voters had to be languishing in the heat of the sun for extended periods before getting the chance to vote.

"We are being told about persons who don't have an ID. So I have to say 'why should that be a deterrent to those who have their ID and can't vote?'"

Nelson said she felt insulted when she was told to complain to her MP.

"That is a direct insult, so I then ask 'where is the legal representative for this place?'"

The disgruntled voter said she was told the legal representative was not there at the time.

Edmond Campbell

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