VOTERS turned out in strong numbers early as polls opened at 6 am across the Tunapuna constituency. At El Dorado West Secondary School on Target Road in El Socorro, Natalie Shepherd was the first to cast her vote, describing the process as "fast and easy."

Newsday was on the ground before the official start time to observe the early momentum in what is shaping up to be a closely watched race.

The seat is being contested by Esmond Forde of the People's National Movement (PNM), who is seeking re-election as the MP. He has served two terms since 2015. He was also a deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

Former senior superintendent, United National Congress (UNC) candidate Roger Alexander, Savita Pierre of the National Transformation Alliance (NTA) – a former UNC senator and 2020 general election candidate for Diego Martin West – and Leshawn Gopee of the Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP), which is contesting as part of a broader Coalition of Interests, including the UNC and other parties.

After casting his vote at St Mary’s Anglican Primary School in Tacarigua, Forde opened on a spiritual note: "This is the day that the Lord has made. We will be glad and rejoice in it."

[caption id="attachment_1152019" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A man is helped by relatives after voting at St Mary's Anglican Primary School on April 28. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

He described the voting process as simple but raised concerns about the operation of the red line, designated for physically disabled voters and those without ID cards.

"I noticed in other polling divisions, differently-abled persons were sitting and waiting. I enquired and was told measures were being put in place to ensure an orderly process."

Forde said he planned to spend the rest of the day checking in with polling divisions and meeting EBC officials in a non-political capacity, as allowed under EBC regulations.

"Again, to God be the glory. At the end of the day, the people will decide, and God will guide their decision."

He acknowledged retirement could be on the horizon.

"I don't believe in dying in office. There are young people coming up and they deserve a chance."

Alexander described his experience as positive and seamless, saying it was a good, clean-looking process and he had no issues.

"You go with purpose and good intentions: that’s how it should be."

[caption id="attachment_1152021" align="alignnone" width="1024"] UNC Tunapuna candidate Roger Alexander after voting at Malabar Secondary School on April 28. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

Reflecting on his campaign as a first-time candidate, Alexander said it was an energising experience.

He expressed hope for a peaceful election that would serve as a democratic example for the world.

"People looking outside must say TT is a fear-free country where democracy rules."

On whether he would accept the results given UNC’s concerns about the EBC, he said, “As I’ve said before, everything being equal, we’ll see how it goes. But if democracy is truly democr