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Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Farley Augustine, has reported a noticeable increase in voter turnout during today’s general election compared to previous years. Speaking after casting his vote at the Speyside Anglican Primary School in the Tobago East constituency, Augustine noted that while Tobagonians traditionally participate more actively in THA elections than in general elections, this year’s turnout appeared to be even higher.

“It would appear though that nationally we would have a higher voter turnout. I didn’t think that was what would happen initially because the initial days post the calling of the election was pretty quiet and mild but certainly, we are experiencing generally a higher turnout and if that continues during the day it means that we can look at numbers that might be more consistent with THA election than a general election,” Augustine explained.

In relation to hiccups, he pointed out that he received reports of issues in Tobago West where Tobago People’s Party’s (TPP) subagents were not allowed in the polling station. He explained the party followed what was required by law to present subagents, saying “the process for appointing sub agents is one where the party by the way of letter to EBC (Elections and Boundaries Commission) will list and appoint those sub agents five days prior, we in fact did that. Subagents are the ones that we place in polling station to observe on behalf of the party.”