The EBC says today’s bye-elections in Quinam/Morne Diablo and Lengua/Indian Walk are progressing well, despite some “hiccups”.

103.1FM News spoke with Chief Elections Officer Fern Narcis Scope, who said polling stations opened on time at 6am.

The “hiccups” referred to were mock stations that had been set up too close to where voting was taking place – Mrs Narcis Scope says the police have since intervened to have these moved.

As for voters, about 15 to 20% turnout has been noted thus far, which is in keeping with traditional trends for Local Government Elections.

Voting is expected to pick up in the afternoon period, with the polls due to close at 6pm.

Five candidates are contesting the two by-elections.

They are:

• Anderson Nanan for the PNM and Sarah Sookdeo for the UNC in Quinam/Morne Diablo
• Nicole Gopaul for the UNC, Autly Granthume for the PNM and Independent candidate Peterson Morales in Lengua/Indian Walk.

The poll for Lengua/Indian Walk ended in a tie in last year’s Local Government Elections.

Meanwhile Quinam/Morne Diablo became vacant following the death of councillor and Corporation Chairman Diptee Ramnath in December 2023.