What is a by-election–and why do they matter?
By-elections are rare in the Bahamas and are not just any political event. On November 24, the constituency of Golden Isles will be voting for a new member of parliament in a by-election.
Since the sudden death of Member of Parliament Vaughn Miller, who represented the constituency for the Progressive Liberal Party, the seat has been up for grabs. Who fills the seat can sway the looming general election expected to be held in seven months.
In his place, Senator Darron Pickstock has resigned from the Upper Chamber to contest the seat for the PLP. He will face Brian Brown, the candidate for the Free National Movement (FNM). Third-party candidate Brian Rolle for the (COI) is joining the race.
How is a by-election different from a general election?
The country is divided into 39 constituencies, and each area is represented by a Member of Parliament in the House of Assembly. While a general election is held every five years to give each constituency an opportunity to choose an MP by the majority of votes, a by-election occurs by chance between a general election when an MP can no longer hold the position and a new MP must be voted in.
A seat in Parliament becomes vacant through death or resignation. By-elections keep representation alive in every constituency.
Why do they matter, and what do they mean to the Progressive Liberal Party?
This by-election could act as a mini referendum on the ruling party, the PLP. The result will reveal whether voters are still confident in Prime Minister Philip Davis’ leadership and the government’s policy since its election in 2021, or are beginning to shift toward the opposition, the Free National Movement.
Being the government, the PLP is putting all of its money, resources, and campaigning behind Pickstock. Because of this, the governing party has the bigger advantage. History has shown that the governing party of the day won three out of five by-elections.
Though only one seat is at stake, the political weight is heavy and the area is under media attention.
The FNM, though, has strong support in the area and is trusting that Brown, a familiar face, can pull off a win, having served in the area since 2010, even running as a candidate but losing to Miller. A win, or even a strong turnout, would prove that momentum is brewing for the FNM.
Golden Isles voted for the FNM in 2017 but voted for the PLP in 2021 after Miller switched parties.
