The Tribune

THE Free National Movement is claiming the appointment of new presiding officers to man eight of the 12 polling stations in North Abaco may compromise the upcoming by-election.

The FNM said many Abaconians are expressing concern about “the potential for serious irregularities and mischief that the last-minute appointments may give rise to” during next week’s poll.

This includes individuals seeking to illegally influence the outcome of the by-election by “running chain ballots”, the party said.

In a statement issued yesterday, the FNM said the move by the Parliamentary Commissioner to retain only four of the presiding officers used in the May 7 general elections was presumably taken “after instructions”.

The party said: “The FNM is not aware of any complaints made against any of the presiding officers being replaced. One is a principal of a primary school, at least two others are former principals currently engaged in administration, one of whom has been a presiding officer in every general election since 1982, and another officer being replaced is the head of the Social Services Department in Abaco. And so, we are compelled to ask, why are they being changed?”

New presiding officers have been appointed in Grand Cay, Cedar Harbour, Wood Cay, Treasure Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Murphy Town and Central Pines.

The FNM said it is essential that integrity of the voting process is protected and that it is seen to be fair.

“The FNM holds grave concerns with these late appointments and calls on all to be vigilant to protect against any tampering with the voting process or any compromise of the integrity of next week’s poll,” the party statement said.