Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage said yesterday that over the last few months there has been a "considered attempt to discredit the people who work in the Parliamentary Registration Department and the whole process" and it is "shameful".
It was an obvious reference to Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis, who claimed at a rally on Cat Island on Friday that the computer system crashed at the department and erased the names of registered voters.
Minnis accused the PLP of attempting to "steal" the general election.
Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall said on Sunday there was no truth to the claim regarding a crashed computer system.
In the foyer of the House of Assembly, Nottage, the minister responsible for elections, reaffirmed that there has been no breach.
"I've noticed over the past several weeks, even months, there has been a considered attempt to discredit the people who work in the Parliamentary Registration Department and the whole process," Nottage said.
"I think it is shameful that is happening. I think we are an open society.
"We have a record for hosting democratic elections. The sides involved in the election have always been able to speak with each other.
"When I was in opposition and the same persons virtually were running the Parliamentary Registration Department, I could go there and get information, so it's easy to find out.
"If you hear something that sounds like it may be prejudicial to the process, it's easy to go and see the parliamentary commissioner.
"...I can't understand why he would want to cast an aspersion like that.
"Even if it were true, I would think, firstly, he would try to verify it with the people involved."
In February, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said he was concerned that Hall would be unable to ensure a smooth election process due to his inexperience and the problems that arose during the June 7, 2016, gender equality referendum.
At the end of the evening on June 7 - hours after the polls - Hall was unable to declare the outcome of the referendum, or provide results in many instances.
Nottage suggested at the time that it was more difficult to conduct a referendum with four questions than a general election.
Responding to the concerns that similar delays could take place during the general election, Nottage said there are "hiccups" with every election.
"In most general elections we have had, there have been Election Court cases brought by persons who believe something amiss may have occurred," he said.
"This election period is no different from any other. I think that our staff seek to do their best and those of us who are responsible for the system are in constant contact with persons responsible for activities, and if there is something that is amiss we would deal with it.
"I am very surprised that these accusations keep occurring."
Nottage said he spoke with the parliamentary commissioner yesterday morning, and he is in touch with Hall on a daily basis.
Asked whether Minnis had advised him of his concerns or shared any potential information he might have received, Nottage said, "No. Dr. Minnis has not made me aware of anything.
"In fact, he does not come here (Parliament) so our paths do not cross."
Minnis has been absent from the last three sittings of the House of Assembly, though the records of the House show he has been one of the top attenders over the last five years.
But the attendance record does not reflect how long a member actually sat through a sitting of Parliament, only that he or she showed up to be marked present.
The minister said Minnis has, by virtue of his claims, put into question the integrity of the registration process and the personnel involved in that process.

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