Bahamas, April 11, 2017 – Nassau – On Wednesday 10th April 2017, the people of the Bahamas will finally be able to have a say as to which political party they want to lead the country for the next five years. This comes after Prime Minister Perry Christie officially announced the date of the next general election at his office this morning.
However, before Bahamians are able to voice their concerns with a ballot, many have taken to social media, the people’s platform, to voice their opinions on Christie’s announcement.
While some voters took to Facebook to proudly state, “going all the way through with the PLP”. Others claim they will “Roc with Doc.” It was evident that both the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Free National Movement (FNM) had online support in the hundreds today. Persons supporting the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) online presence were lesser in comparison.
Some however, were more concerned with the date itself. One person wrote, “in the middle of National GLAT Exams and the day of the sinking of the HMBS Flamingo, one of the worst national disasters in Bahamian history. Who advised this?” Another Bahamian said, “They should of leave that day Sacred for those Marines who died on H.M.B.S Flamingo, May 10th, 1980.” Many persons were of the belief that this date already holds a lot of significance to the country and an election should not be scheduled on the same day.
On the other hand, members of the parliament have also voiced their concerns. Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Phillip Davis yesterday made a bold predication in an interview on a radio talk show. He told the host of “Donald Miller Live” that the PLP will win 30 seats in the upcoming general election and the FNM will win nine. If however, the FNM were to come out victorious, Davis questioned whether Dr. Minnis would remain the leader of the FNM.
Prime Minister Christie, in his official announcement of the date of the election said he is “confident will be free and fair elections, following a spirited but peaceful campaign.”
In addition to Facebook, the announcement of an election in one month raised a lot of chatter on Twitter as well. The office of the Prime Minister even took to Snapchat to announce the date. Despite differences in political preference, one thing is certain; the people of the Bahamas are ready to vote.
Story by: Kay-Marie Fletcher
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official announcement of the date of the election said he is “confident will be free and fair elections, following a spirited but peaceful campaign.”
