The risks of ‘the same old, same old’: What the return of political incumbents really means for the PLP
The Progressive Liberal Party ratified fourteen candidates on Thursday night, a first glimpse into its campaign strategy for the 2026 election. With many of the slate incumbent candidates, will the public still believe the party’s promises, and will the public believe their lives can improve if the PLP is elected for the next five years?
The return of incumbents suggests the PLP wishes for continuity of its policies. It’s a way of saying to voters, “We’re stable. We deliver. No need to change.”
Prime Minister Philip Davis, in his presentation, said, “These are the people who know how the system works and people who are ready to change how it works. It is my honor to present to you a group of people with a proven track record in and out of government, with almost five years of their lives in public service. They are a selection of outstanding women and men dedicated to building on the progress we have made.”
The candidates include:
- Jamahl Strachan (Nassau Village)
- Keith Bell (Carmichael)
- Jomo Campbell (Centreville)
- Bacchus Rolle (South Beach)
- Leslia Miller-Brice (Sea Breeze)
- Darron Pickstock (Golden Isles)
- Sebas Bastian (Fort Charlotte)
- McKell Bonaby (Mt Moriah)
- Fred Mitchell (Fox Hill)
- Myles Laroda (Pinewood)
- Mario Bowleg (Garden Hills)
- Pia Glover-Rolle (Golden Gates)
- Jobeth Coleby-Davis (Elizabeth)
- Leon Lundy (Mangrove Cay and South Andros)
These may be the party’s strongest constituencies; thus, it prefers to ratify them early and avoid speculations or any pre-election infighting.
Out of this first batch of candidates, Fred Mitchell and Keith Bell are veteran politicians, having served as cabinet ministers in previous PLP administrations. Sebas Bastian and Darron Pickstock, having been involved in the affairs of the party, are the new faces to join the race.
Incumbent candidates bring risks:
- Voter fatigue
When parties recycle the same names, voters can experience voter fatigue. Though incumbents offer experience, voters feel like nothing changes and associate them with the high cost of living and the daily systemic frustrations.
New faces give the perception that the party is embracing innovation and new ideas and is on the verge of change.
- Stagnation
Old candidates often campaign with the same ideas and slogans recycled from the previous election. That means no fresh ideas on new industries or governance.
Their campaign becomes nostalgic, and more of “what we’ve done,” and not “what’s next.”
What’s next
The party has not announced its next ratification.
It remains to be seen how many new faces and incumbents will be ratified in the next rollout and if they can appeal to young and frustrated voters.
