Atg: Heavy turn out slowed pace of voting

Antiguans turned out in droves to vote in the country's national elections, and this, in addition with a voting system on its maiden voyage, contributed to the long lines at voting booths, which lines lasted into the night.

All over the country thousands of voters left their homes in the early morning destined for polling booths in the country's 17 constituencies to cast their ballots in what was highly anticipated to be one of the most important elections in Antigua & Barbuda's history.

The competencies of their field experts were severely tested as a result of a new system that was being used for the very first time in the management of the country's elections.

Under the circumstances, voting slowed to a mere crawl.

Electors expressed disgust at the pace. Hundreds were held up for virtually hours and things got testy in some constituencies including St. John's Rural East and St. Peter.

As a result, the counting started in certain constituencies way beyond the expected start delaying the announcement of the final outcome for hours.

Lines were still seen at certain voting booths way after 7 p.m.

Voter turn out was good, according to electoral officials and observers, making the exercise, in the least, worth its while

In spite of the delays, elections were deemed to be free and fair and not subject to question.