THE usually sleepy East Coast community of Non Pareil came alive early yesterday morning as hundreds of residents who reside there at present, and even those who had since moved away, turned out to cast their votes.

Many were out as early as 06:00 hrs awaiting their turn to vote at their designated polling stations.
The process was orderly and well-manned by two Rural Constables with batons, who were tasked with ensuring the exercise went as planned. GECOM staffers were also very cooperative as they went about their business.

At the Non Pareil polling station, everything was in place and the process went smoothly as persons waited their turn, voted and left the location quietly. Out on the streets, residents could be heard chatting civilly among themselves, and encouraging those who had not done so yet to go out and vote.

In retrospect, the entire process was well orchestrated, and no time was wasted, as polling stations accommodated voters, some of whom were voting for the very first time, as well as the elderly and those in wheelchairs.

One first-time voter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Guyana Chronicle that at first he did not want to vote, but after considering that every vote counts and the importance of exercising his democratic right, he came out and was ready to give it a try.
He said it was his fervent hope that everything goes peacefully, and that when the results are announced and the winning party is known, “we must be mature enough to accept it, and move on for the betterment of the country and our people.”
A pensioner, who is wheelchair-bound, said she was assisted by a relative who, even though she had already cast her vote, offered to accompany her to the polling station.
The senior citizen declared that she was very pleased with the process which was easy, quick and to the point.
Many persons at Nonpareil yesterday conceded that there was no fuss, and the lines were moving relatively quick and the atmosphere was one of calm as people knew what they were about and did just that and went their way.

Many of those standing in lines waiting to vote said they were glad to be a part of history, since yesterday was a very important day; one which every eligible Guyanese should utilise.
By Michel Outridge