Delays plague Antigua elections

A top official of the Organisation of American States (OAS) observer team has described as regrettable, lengthy delays that were reported during today’s voting exercise in the Antigua and Barbuda general election.



Ambassador Albert Ramdin’s comments came after electoral officials identified a computer glitch, which had affected the printing of the voter registration list, as the main source of the problem.



Ramdin, who is part of a 23-member team from the OAS, also commended the people of Antigua and Barbuda for their patience and strong commitment to democracy.



Lengthy delays which lasted for several hours were reported in some cases with some voters complaining about standing in line for up to six hours.



A total of 52, 000 electors were eligible to cast ballots in the poll, which is being seen as a straight fight between the incumbent United Progressive Party and the main opposition, Antigua Labour Party, despite the presence of two other political parties and four independents in the race.



The Organisation for National Development has fielded four candidates, while the Barbuda People’s Movement is contesting the lone seat on the sister island.



The polls have officially closed although a number of stations failed to meet the 6am start time.



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