EBC orders DLP posters pulled from polling station precincts

Democratic Labour Party (DLP) officials moved quickly to remove party posters found too close to polling stations on Wednesday, following complaints reported to the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) during the St James North by-election.

“We made that our first priority,” a DLP spokesman Dale Rowe told Barbados TODAY. “Senator [Ryan] Walters, [DLP’s polling agent], received a couple of phone calls, so myself and [another representation] just started pulling away posters.”

Election rules prohibit the display of campaign materials, including posters, banners, and clothing bearing branding, within 100 yards of polling stations on election day.

Rowe acknowledged the party had been briefed about the rules prohibiting electioneering material within 100 yards of polling stations but said a hectic morning of preparations delayed their response. 

“Things were extremely hectic and busy, so we didn’t get around to getting that started early. But all of those posters that were there are no longer there,” he added.

EBC Chairman Ramon Alleyne confirmed reports of the infractions that were being investigated to determine their validity.

“There have been some reports of infractions in relation to electioneering material within the 100-yard circumference of polling stations,” Alleyne said. 

“Those are being investigated and, to the extent that they are real, they will be taken care of.”

He explained that while all seven polling stations opened on time and voting proceeded without major disruption, the presence of campaign materials in restricted areas remains a serious breach.

“Every report isn’t real,” he noted. 

“There’s an investigation, and to the extent that there’s any substance to it, we will then contact party representatives.”

Alleyne said Wednesday’s vote in St James North went smoothly overall, with a steady turnout and minimal issues reported. 

(SM)