Liberal Leadership candidate John Abbott has written the Liberal Party to express what he calls “grave concerns” over problems with the party leadership voting process.

Abbott claims people whose names are on the list of registered voters are being denied an opportunity to vote.

In a release issued Friday afternoon, Abbott estimates thousands of people have yet to receive their PINs and instructions on how to vote.

The Voter Helpline set up to address questions is “constantly busy” according to Abbott. One supporter told him she called the Help Line 13 times over the course of a day and couldn’t get through. Those without email addresses are still waiting to receive their PINs in the mail.

Abbot is running against Andrew Furey for the party leadership. The deadline for voting in the Liberal Party leadership is noon on Monday, August 3.

Issues Being Addressed, Assures Liberal Party

The Liberal Party of NL says the issues raised by Abbott are “isolated and expected” and are being addressed as they arise.

The party says it is aware that some emails bounced back when PINs were sent out, mainly due to typos in the original information provided. It say it has provided the campaigns with lists of those individuals for follow-up by other means.

Executive Director of the Liberal Party, Michael King issued a statement saying, “We have full confidence in the integrity of this process. Both campaigns are on a level playing field. We certainly expect some minor issues along the way as we navigate through these unprecedented times – as those issues arise, we are addressing them in a timely fashion.”

The party has also increased staffing on the helpline along with voicemail capabilities.

The party says over 15,000 people have already voted after three days among the 34,040 registered for the process.