By Sue-Wayow
ALMOST 17,000 citizens have been granted special elector status and can cast their votes in the General Election before April 28.
Already, 74 persons voted earlier this week, mainly offshore workers.
The Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) in a media release on Friday stated that while Special Voting will commence on April 21, persons working offshore was able to vote on April 16 and April 17.
The Commission said political parties and independent candidates were notified on April 16 about the schedule for Special Voting for offshore workers.
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The EBC stated, “Before this, no arrangements had been made with any offshore entities for Special Voting on April 15, 2025, as the sorting of special envelopes occurred that day. While tentative plans for April 16, 2025, were in place, they depended on the timely retrieval of envelopes by offshore companies for their approved special electors, which was completed very early that morning.”
The release stated, “Traditionally, political parties have not actively participated in Special Voting for offshore personnel due to the logistical challenges posed by offshore work schedules and access issues. Consequently, arrangements for transporting election workers depend on offshore companies, and the Commission made significant efforts to accommodate their requests.”
The Commission said it organised special voting after careful consideration of the requests from offshore companies and to promote transparency, the Commission provided all political parties and independent candidates with Statements of Contents from the Special Ballot Boxes from each of the Special Voting exercises.
The EBC stated that on April 16, 58 persons voted and on April 17, 16 persons voted and the political parties and independent candidates have been provided with those details.
The EBC stated that from April 21 to April 24 additional Special Polling Stations will function between 9 am to 3 pm at the following locations:
1. Path Care Building, # 65 Frederick Street, Port of Spain (next to T&TEC);
2. San Fernando & Penal/Debe Registration Area Office, 194 Circular Road, San Fernando;
3. Tobago Registration Area Office, Caroline Building #2, 11 Hamilton Street, Scarborough, Tobago.
Special Polling Stations established by Returning Officers will also function between 9 am to 3 pm until April 27, 2025, at the offices of the Returning Officers.
A listing of these offices will be advertised and are available via the Commission’s website and Facebook Page.
The EBC stated, “The Commission is dedicated to maintaining transparency and integrity in the electoral process and is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders.”
The release stated that 16,748 persons were granted special elector status.
