DLP monitoring ‘irregularities’ as Thorne flags voting concerns

Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has raised concerns about possible irregularities in Wednesday’s St James North by-election, including an incident in which five residents were reportedly not allowed to vote.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY outside one of the polling stations, Thorne declined to offer details but said the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) was monitoring the situation closely and focused on ensuring a free and fair election.

“Already there are some irregularities that we are looking at, and we are in the moment,” he said. “We are in the moment to ensure that this election is free and fair.”

Pressed on whether he could identify the specific concerns, Thorne replied, “Not at this point. But we’ve had a case this morning in which five persons have not been allowed to vote.”

Thorne said he was heading to the Electoral and Boundaries Commission to follow up on the matter and ensure that the individuals in question were allowed to cast their ballots.

Asked what a loss in today’s election would mean for the DLP’s strategy going forward, Thorne offered a philosophical response, stating, “We are trusting God. And whatever is God’s will, we live with God’s will. We don’t quarrel with God. We humble ourselves before God.”

The St James North seat became vacant following the resignation of BLP MP Edmund Hinkson. The by-election is being contested by BLP candidate Chad Blackman, DLP’s Felicia Dujon, and independents Steffanie Williams and Alex Mitchell.