By Sue-Ann Wayow
OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar is urging the electorate to not get frustrated with long lines at polling stations across Trinidad and Tobago.
“Make sure you do get not frustrated. Stay in the lines. You have one day to vote for the next five years of your life so I strongly urge our people our citizens here to come out and cast your vote,” she said on Monday.
Persad-Bissessar cast her ballot at the Hermitage Presbyterian School in the constituency of Oropouche East just after midday on Monday.
Speaking to the media after she voted, Persad-Bissessar, the political leader of the United National Congress (UNC) said her process went smoothly with no hiccups.
However, she said there were complaints of lengthy processes at other polling stations.
“I have had reports from other stations that the process is very lengthy, I don’t know if it is a deliberate strategy to frustrate people or just incompetence on the part of some.”
“The other issue is people seeking to buy out voters” she said.
Persad-Bissessar said, “I want to remind everyone that that is a crime, you will get a jail sentence. Both the briber and the bribee are subject to criminal proceedings. We have reports of that happening in Moruga/Tableland and one other constituency on the corridor.”
She warned, “Be extra vigilant. The police would be looking for you should you engage in unlawful and illegal action.”
In the constituency of another marginal seal, Aranguez/St Joseph, police arrested a man on Monday with $30,000 in his possession for allegedly trying to bribe voters.
Persad-Bissessar also reminded voters that they can still vote even if they do not have a polling card or an ID card.
She said the voter turn out was higher than the last time which was good.
Persad-Bissessar voted without her husband Dr Gregory Bissessar this time as he was still nursing a whiplash.
She said, “He is doing better, he will come a little later He will be here before the day ends, I am sure he will make sure and cast that vote.”
The UNC political leader is confident of a victory early on Monday night.
She planned to spend the rest of the evening visiting some polling stations in the constituency of Siparia which she is representing.
“But I will live on the phone following up with other constituencies. Every hour, I am getting an update on the numbers and the issues taking place in the various parts of the country,” Persad-Bissessar said.
As usual, Persad-Bissessar was greeted by supporters, given flowers and blessings.
The UNC was back and forth with the EBC from before the general election and Monday was no different as several issues were raised and some were rectified.
UNC candidate for Oropouche West Dr Lackram Bodoe who met with Persad-Bissessar at the polling station mentioned that two persons were turned away at a polling station in La Romaine because they were not deemed to be mentally fit.
However, he said that it is an area that needed to be addressed somehow.
