Are Voters, Opposition Parties Ready for an Early Election?

2026-03-12 - 23:35

Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASSAU , BAHAMAS- Speculation over the timing of the next general election is heating up, after Progressive Liberal Party Chairman, Fred Mitchell, suggested in a voice note that Bahamians could be heading to the polls within weeks. But are voters other political parties ready? Our Delvardo Emmanuel took to the streets on Thursday to find out. Fred Mitchell – Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party “ Ladies and gentlemen, this is a country that is facing a general election in the next few weeks. It’s likely that the election campaign is going to heat up and the Bahamian people will be asked shortly, who should govern them for the next five years? By any reckoning, that should be the PLP administration.” Those comments from PLP chairman, Fred Mitchell, in a three-minute voice note that is now fueling fresh speculation about when Bahamians could be called to the polls. For months, Prime Minister Philip Davis, has faced questions from the media about the timing of the next general election, but has only said it will be soon. With Mitchell now suggesting the vote could come within weeks, political pundits are predicting the elections will be in May after the lenten season. What about the PLP’s political opponents? We reached out to Free National Movement Chairman Dr. Duane Sands for his response and he said the party is ready whenever the election is called. Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement “ Whenever they wanna ring the bell, tell ’em, ring the bell. Okay. In order to play games with the Bahamian public, just save any election and be, and let’s, let’s, let’s rule. I believe that you know, they have precious little to campaign on, other than some glossy flyers and some promises about. Things that you gotta imagine that’s going to happen. “ Meanwhile, the Coalition of Independents said they’re also prepared and will run a full slate of candidates. Charlotte Green – Chairman, Coalition of Independents “ The Coalition of Independence spent the several last years building our structure, our organization, our branches, and ratifying our candidates, and we have never left the ground since the last general election. Our focus has always been on presenting real solutions to the bohemian people and not just political slogans. We are ready. “ Not everyone we spoke with was as certain. Monique Moss – Resident “ I’m still undecided. I’m trying to decide if I’m gonna register. But more than likely I will register, but undecided on who am I gonna work for? I just see the two parties. They’re not, they’re not together. That’s, that’s discouraging. “ Resident “ You’re not registered. No. Are you planning on registering? Yeah. Are you planning on voting ? Uh, yeah. But I get time. I get the time ’cause I, the people right next door to me. “