00:00An interesting turn of events as former colleagues, now political opponents, PNM candidate Ansel Dennis and former PNM member, now TPP candidate Keegan De Noon, both hugged outside the Buku Government Primary School as they voted at that polling station.
00:16Both are contesting the Buku Mount Pleasant seat in Monday's THA election. Mr. De Noon spoke to members of the media.
00:24The process was very smooth. I like the fact that the polling agents, most of them look very familiar with what they're doing. And so you were in and out in less than five minutes.
00:33And we just saw you shaking hands with your former colleague. What went through your mind?
00:38Well, Mr. Dennis and I are cordial. There's no animosity between us. And that is going to continue both in and out of election season. Both of us are from the community and both of us want the advancement of the community.
00:49And so, both, as I said, in and out of election season, we are going to be good friends. That is not going to change and politics is not going to divide us.
00:57PNM candidate for Buku Mount Pleasant, Ansel Dennis, echoed similar sentiments.
01:02Mr. Dennis, how was the voting process?
01:04Very smooth as usual. I've never had any issues voting in my life.
01:09We saw you hugging your former colleague. How was that?
01:12Well, all of us have to live here after today. So I hold no animosity towards anyone. As I've been saying during the campaign, adults are free to make whichever decisions they choose to make.
01:25So I intend to remain cordial with everybody because at the end of the day, when I'm elected as the assemblyman for this district and also as chief secretary, then it is my intention to serve all, notwithstanding any party colors they would have worn over this election period.
01:46Also voting at the Buku Government Primary School, 89-year-old, Odette Clark, who arrived in a wheelchair.
01:53Well, it's without a custom too. A custom to go on and vote. And last year I didn't vote because, you know, it slipped me. Right?
02:06And I say, today I go in and with the help of God, I'm here.
02:11Meantime, leader of the Innovative Democratic Alliance IDA, Dr. Denise Oifatangas chose not to vote this time around as she fielded no candidate for the Plymouth Blackrock District where she is registered to vote.
02:25I normally vote in the Blackrock Plymouth constituency and we do not, the Innovative Democratic Alliance IDA does not have a candidate in this area.
02:43You know, when we first launched, we told the public that we have 11 candidates and we are leaving four seats for the opposition. And this is one of those seats.
02:56And near the community center, political paraphernalia in the form of flags. This did not sit well with voter Godfrey Crookshank.
03:06I see a flag across the road, which is not supposed to be there. I talked to them this morning. I was only half past five. And I see the flag and I talk to them. And I tell them, oh, you're not supposed to have a flag there. And they still have the flag up.
03:25Some of the other candidates we spoke to included TPP candidate for Scarborough Monk Grace, Trevor James, TPP candidate for Daryl Spring-Wim, Ricky Jofield, and PNM candidate Kelvon Morris of the same district.
03:38Tell us, how was the process?
03:40Process? Every process for voting. It's normally to be the scam. Everything is well done.
03:45Well, you're no stranger to the process.
03:47No, I am not.
03:48Okay. What are your plans for the rest of the day?
03:51I go up to the district now and try to win a seat.
03:53How was the process for you?
03:55It's pretty smooth and straightforward, no. No real hiccups or anything like that.
03:59And I saw that the line was long.
04:00Yes, the long lines this morning. Long lines. Everyone coming out and exercising their civic rights.
04:06Yes.
04:07Yes.
04:08Are you nervous in any way? I know that this is the first time, you know, you are exercising this process in terms of being a candidate for Daryl Spring-Wim.
04:18How are you feeling?
04:19I'm feeling good. I'm actually feeling really good this morning.
04:22By God's grace, everything will come true.
04:23The process was quite smooth. And, you know, of course, want to thank the public servants, all the persons involved in this electoral process.
04:33And, you know, now I look forward to the outcome as the polls close at 6 p.m.
04:39You are no stranger to the process?
04:41Not at all. And, you know, I think we have done the work, I've done the work, and therefore I'm quite confident as to the outcome.
04:49But ultimately, you know, democracy will prevail.
04:53You know, we saw some minor incidents, but for the most part, it has been an incident-free campaign.
05:01We also caught up with former chairman of the PNM Tobago Council, Stanford Calendar.
05:07How do you feel about the PNM's chances? The polls are now closed.
05:11Well, I think the PNM has an excellent chance, as in everything else.
05:15But, you know, I've been saying to them all the time, elections are really won on election day.
05:19So don't get carried away by the height of your meeting and your motorcade and your stuff.
05:24The process of election day, your election day machinery is key in terms of what results.
05:31Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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