PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said that with the North Abaco by-election results certified, it is now clear that the "scurrilous and reckless" claims by the FNM of victimisation spurring low voter turnout were without basis. Noting that the statistics show voter turnout was actually quite high, Mr Roberts said FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis “must be ashamed of his behaviour”. Mr Roberts said the PLP demands a public apology from Dr Minnis for his claims that the governing party won North Abaco by means of victimisation and intimidation.
He said: “The facts are that of the 4,517 registered voters in North Abaco, 3,887 persons cast their ballots; this represents 86 per cent of eligible voters or just 243 fewer actual voters than in the general election on May 7. “This voter turnout is consistent with by-election voting trends and flies in the face of Dr Minnis’ argument and line of reasoning.
“North Abaco’s election results are in stark contrast to the election results in Elizabeth back in February 2010 where there were 1,800 no-shows and only a 60 per cent voter turnout. “Using Dr Minnis’ line of reasoning, there is a credible case to be made that the low voter turnout in Elizabeth was due to voter suppression tactics at the hands of the (then) governing FNM.” Mr Roberts said the PLP invites Dr Minnis to explain the “apparent disconnect” between his claims of victimisation and low voter turnout, and the “indisputable facts on the ground”.
He said: “It is important to note that the PLP government did not spend liberally from the public treasury in Abaco as the FNM did in the run up to the Elizabeth bye-election in 2010.“The PLP simply presented a good candidate in the name of Renardo Curry – a candidate with a good message and who was joining a good team. The good people of North Abaco overwhelmingly embraced our candidate and our party’s message.
“This penchant for political bluster and character assassination that is the hallmark of the FNM is tiresome, wearing thin and is being increasingly rejected by an enlightened electorate. North Abaco is clear evidence of this. “The FNM leader therefore is well advised to take note.”
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