With approximately 42,596 registered voters and 158 polling stations across Region Two, polling got underway smoothly on Election Day, opening at the mandatory 06:00 hrs. From the break of dawn, residents, both young and old, turned out to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Ballot boxes were distributed as early as 03:00 hrs, with police officers already stationed at polling places to maintain order. Party agents were also present, carefully monitoring the process and assisting voters in finding their names on the list.

A drive from Supenaam to Charity revealed a calm but steady flow of voters. While the pace was described as “fast,” persons were constantly on the move—some heading to vote while others went about their daily business.

In Annandale-Riverstown, residents appeared optimistic about the outcome, and polling stations at schools recorded short but steady lines.

Many chose to vote early in the morning before heading to work, since the day was not declared a national holiday.

From Aberdeen-Zorg-en-Vlygt, elderly residents also made their way out. Sixty-one-year-old Jordon Marlon of Perseverance said it was her fourth time voting, and she remained eager to participate to see changes in her community.

Meanwhile, 85-year-old pensioner Taco Radi Loaknauth of Golden Fleece, though unwell, proudly cast her ballot.

“I want to see a change in my community,” she said. “Even though I was not feeling well, I made it my duty to vote. It was an easy process.”

At Anna Regina and Good Hope-Pomona, reports indicated that many voters had turned out very early, resulting in quieter lines later in the day. By midday, older folks were among the first who had already cast their ballots.

In Charity-Urasara and Evergreen-Paradise, the atmosphere was similarly calm and orderly, with several voters seen arriving on bicycles.

However, in the Pomeroon areas of Moruka-Phoenix Park and Nile-Cozier, turnout was poor, as many residents were in the interior and unable to return in time to vote.

FIRST-TIME VOTERS

Young electors showed noticeable enthusiasm. Kareshma Gopaul said the process was “smooth and easy,” adding that she was proud to vote for the first time.

Another youth, Narinedatt from Supenaam, shared that she arrived at her polling station by 06:00 hrs to ensure she didn’t “miss the boat.” Meanwhile, another youth, Nalinie Madhu confirmed that she carefully checked her name before joining the line and casting her vote.

Some residents in Adventure-Airy Hall were disappointed to find their names missing from the list, but party officials encouraged them to try other locations.

Despite their challenges, senior citizens were determined to participate.

Nandanie Mahadeo, aged 89, went out with the help of her daughter Rita and her walking stick, proudly declaring her happiness at being able to vote.

Rudolph, a pensioner from Suddie, arrived in a wheelchair with assistance from his son. He explained that his priorities included improved drainage, better waste management, and the installation of streetlights in his community.

By midday, polling agents from various political parties described the turnout as favourable, with the overall process running smoothly and without incident.