VOTERS in the East Coast Demerara communities of Ogle and Industry were out in their numbers at the polling stations from early yesterday morning to cast their ballots.It was one of those days when many people were seen on the streets, and at polling places, but the atmosphere was largely sober and silent.

The voting exercise was a peaceful process, and many waited patiently in the lines to cast their ballots.
The turnout was by far larger than the one for 2011 Regional and General Elections, and many persons were seen urging their neighbours and friends to go out and vote.

Early in the morning, a blind woman was taken to the polling station at Ogle, where she cast her ballot. She later told family members that she was happy to do so.

Many were seen on their mobile phones, calling up their friends, encouraging them to go out and vote. Some turned up at polling stations in vehicles, happy and eager to vote.
Others helped the elderly to the polling centres. Many view this year’s elections as the most important since 1992.

And quite interestingly, it was a rare occasion: A holiday, but the rum-shop next to the Ogle Community Centre had not a single drinker up to 11:00hrs, even though it had many persons around it.

Outside the polling stations, there were persons assisting voters on which lines to go to cast their ballot, ensuring that they do not stand in the wrong line, and the process is an efficient one.

The GECOM officials at the Ogle Community Centre Ground were also helpful in assisting voters with old Identification Cards to locate their names on the Voter’s List, and directing them which line to go to vote.

There were a few persons who turned up to vote with old Identification Cards, and thanks to GECOM officials and others assisting the process, they were not turned away.
All in all, the process, up to noon yesterday, was a peaceful one. It was efficient, and the police were on guard to ensure no one disrupted the exercise.

By Tajeram Mohabir