Some Voters Complain of Their Names Missing From 2014 Montserrat Elections Voters Register

Some Voters Complain of Their Names Missing From 2014 Montserrat Elections Voters Register
Author

Jeevan A. Robinson

Release Date

Sunday, November 9, 2014

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MNI Alive Media received several reports today from individuals angered that their names were listed on the Voters Register for Elections 2014, however, when they showed up to vote today at their respective polling stations, they were told their names were no longer on the list, thus these persons could not exercise their right to vote.

Of the persons who rang our media today regarding the issue with the voters register, two persons were willing to be interviewed on record regarding what they deem to be a very troubling development. As they stated to our media, their names were on the Voters list that was placed in the various districts for individuals to check and register any irregularities such as their names not being present on the voters list.

Today, Thursday September 11, 2014, is polling day on Montserrat as voters go to the polls to decide who will be elected to govern the island’s affairs for the next five years. Polls on Montserrat opened at 7:00AM and closed at 6:00PM.

Prior to the polls opening today, MNI Alive Media received initial reports that there were some persons of non-Montserratian origin who have been living on Montserrat for less than a year, but have been registered to vote in today’s elections. In some cases we were told, some of these individuals have been living on island for a period, in some instances of no longer than 9 months.

MNI Alive Media contacted the Supervisor of Elections, Professor Sir Howard Fergus for clarification on this issue.

Sir Howard informed us via a written response; “I do not know their circumstances and people had ample opportunity to object. However, if they are domiciled in Montserrat, they can vote. I said: 'if'.”

Unconfirmed reports were also received that there were some late entrants on to the 2014 Voters list, with some persons alleged to have been registered during this past week.

On the September 9, 2014, ZJB Radio ran a news item stating that 3868 voters have been confirmed as having registered to vote in this year’s elections. However, that list was later revised upwards to reflect a final voters register of 3878 persons. An increase of ten additional voters.

MNI Alive Media contacted the Supervisor of Elections for a comment on this particular issue and will publish once received.

Listen below to the stories of the two individuals, Mr Vernon Farrell and Mr Lloyd A Francis, who are upset their names were missing from the voters list after they initially registered.

Interview with Mr Vernon Farrell below:

Interview with Mr Lloyd A Francis below:

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