Bahamas General Election field crowded; at least 10 political parties to contend

#Bahamas, March 19, 2021 – The fight for office in The Bahamas is scorching hot. Never before in the history of the archipelago has there been such a fierce fray; reportedly, 10 political parties are chasing the 39 parliamentary seats in the Bahamas House of Assembly and the popularity of 135,000 voters. 

In mere weeks, though no date is yet set, there will be a general election.

It was a landslide win for Hubert Minnis and the FNM against the Progressive Liberal Party, PLP just five years ago, now it seems PM Minnis’ navigation of the country through the choppy waters of both Hurricane Dorian and the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic has been ‘off course’ in many estimations, and that could cost the Free National Movement, governance.

The rise of so many political factions, however, also casts a dim light on the loyal opposition PLP as an unpopular alternative. 

The unprecedented uprising is screaming, loud and clear that Bahamians are tired of recycling governments; they want something fresh.  The notion, is yet to be proven. 

Case in point, the Democratic National Alliance, DNA offered viable candidates in 2012 and in 2017, but not one of their members made it in.  So observers are largely unconvinced that the emerging parties will make the impact… but they could. 

The Progressive Liberal Party on Tuesday night ratified 13 candidates, including its leader Philip Davis and deputy leader, Chester Cooper.

Newly formed, Coalition of Independent Candidates birthed through Bahamian Evolution has ratified some and debut on Wednesday. 

The FNM has lost a few to resignations, fall outs and allegations of corruption but so far, at least 17 incumbents will try again said the Governing party.

All of this political juxta positioning  is playing out during what are antagonistic times in The Bahamas; increased discontent over delayed benefits in the Civil Service; hard financial times for people generally and stymied rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the worst hurricane in Atlantic Basin history.