The Electoral Commission has sought to reassure the public that voting tomorrow will proceed smoothly and without the kind of delays experienced during advance polling for essential service workers.
In a statement issued earlier today, the Commission said the Electoral Department, which has full responsibility for the conduct of the general election, said it has already implemented the necessary measures to ensure an efficient process at all polling stations on Election Day.
The reassurance comes after police officers, firefighters and correctional officers experienced long lines and late voting during the advance poll on Friday, November 28. According to the Commission, the problem stemmed from an increase in the number of polling divisions from two to four without a corresponding increase in polling stations.
The Electoral Department said it had recommended adding more stations, but the police indicated they did not have the resources to support the expansion.
The Commission said the challenge was compounded by growth in the number of essential service electors since the 2021 election, as well as the continued presence of retired officers on the voters’ list. This combination created a much larger electorate and contributed to delays at all four locations.
In hindsight, the Commission said, each division should have had additional polling stations – at least four in Soufriere and up to six in Vieux Fort, the Police Training School and Gros Islet.
Officials stressed, however, that the delays were unique to the advance poll.
“Notwithstanding these challenges, we wish to assure all electors that this situation was unique to the advance polling of essential service electors. The Electoral Department will revisit this matter in consultation with the Police to ensure that such delays are not repeated in future elections,” the Commission said.
“On Monday, December 1, 2025, the Electoral Department, which has general conduct of elections in relation to all electors on election day, has put in place all necessary measures to ensure that the election process proceeds swiftly and without delay.”
The Commission also noted that essential service electors who did not cast ballots during the advance poll remain fully entitled to vote on Election Day.
