Dr. Duane Sands, Chairman of the Free National Movement: New Boundary Register Flaws Deepen Concerns Over Election Readiness

After reviewing the updated voters list issued after recent boundary changes, the Free National Movement (FNM) has identified serious new problems that raise fresh concerns about election readiness. These findings add to issues previously raised that have yet to be addressed. The FNM has formally written to the Parliamentary Registration Department outlining these discrepancies, which are not minor clerical errors but significant flaws requiring urgent correction.

In its review, the FNM found polling divisions with no voters assigned, including Killarney Polling Division 3, Southern Shores Polling Division 4, and Tall Pines Polling Division 4. It is not normal for polling divisions to be skipped in this manner.

The party also identified what appear to be residual or improperly transferred records following the Constituency Unit Transfer process. These issues affect Central and South Eleuthera, MICAL, North Eleuthera, Free Town, North Abaco, Tall Pines, and Golden Isles. The discrepancies suggest incomplete or flawed data migration after the boundary adjustments.

Additionally, the FNM documented cases where first-time voters were improperly turned away despite presenting valid Bahamian passports. Voters who registered or transferred months ago do not appear on the electronic register. Duplicate entries across constituencies and deceased individuals remaining on the National Register were also observed, along with inconsistent application of registration rules.

To date, these issues have not been addressed, and additional irregularities continue to emerge.

A credible general election depends on a registration system that is orderly, accurate, transparent, and consistently applied. The voters register is the foundation of electoral integrity. If that foundation is unstable, the entire system is called into question.

For that reason, the FNM is calling for:

• A full audit and reconciliation of the revised register following the Boundary Commission changes

• Immediate correction of polling divisions with missing assignments

• A comprehensive review of the Constituency Unit Transfer process

• Public clarification on all previously identified irregularities

Protecting the vote is not a partisan issue; it is a constitutional responsibility owed to every Bahamian citizen.

The FNM has requested an urgent response from the Parliamentary Registration Department and stands ready to meet without delay to resolve these matters.

The integrity of the voters register must be beyond question.