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Speculation swirled this week over the re-emergence of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), but three high-profile political figures — Dr. Hubert Minnis, Branville McCartney, and Desmond Bannister — have all denied any involvement.

The trio, once central players in the Free National Movement, were each rumored to be backing the DNA as it prepares a return to politics ahead of the next general election. But in separate statements, all rejected suggestions that they were a part of reforming the party.

McCartney, who founded the DNA in 2011 before stepping down in 2016, said, “I’m out of politics. I’ve been out of politics for some time. I don’t have any type of political ambitions at this stage,” he told the Tribune.

Former Prime Minister Minnis called the rumors shocking, while Bannister, the former Deputy Prime Minister, dismissed them outrightly, “I have not had contact with the DNA and the DNA has not had contact with me…that is not in my plans,” he told Eye Witness News.

The denials come as the DNA seeks to revive itself as an independent third party. The party won no seats in the three elections it contested, garnering fewer votes each time it went to the polls.

Minnis was not given the nomination for Killarney but has expressed interest in running in the constituency despite the FNM nominating Michaela Barnett-Ellis. Bannister served as his deputy in 2017, while McCartney is a close friend of Minnis, having even lobbied for his return as leader of the party in 2024, a position Minnis ultimately lost to Party leader Michael Pintard.

Questions about who is behind the DNA could shape how seriously voters take its comeback.

The bottom line

The DNA insists it’s charting its own path, but its comeback may again show how difficult it is for third parties to break through in Bahamian politics.

The return of the third-party, Democratic National Alliance, has tongues wagging since its demise in 2021.

The surprise announcement on Tuesday has many speculating who will lead the party in its comeback, with some suggesting former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, whom the Free National Movement did not give a nomination.

“The DNA is back by popular demand.

“Not only are we here for now but we are here for the future and forever,” the party said in a press statement.

The big picture

The DNA was formed by Branville McCartney in 2011 who was a former  State Minister of Immigration in the FNM in Hubert Ingraham’s administration. However, he resigned in 2017, citing poor election results after the party failed to win a seat, having performed poorly each time.

In the 2012 election, the DNA received more than 13,000 votes and in 2017, the party received 7,537 votes.

“At this stage, there has been a rejection of me as leader of the DNA. I have to accept that. I think leading the party, I don’t think would be good at this stage in light of the recent election,” he said in 2017.

Arinthia Komolafe, now an FNM candidate for Carmichael, became the leader of the party after McCartney but resigned in 2021, citing financial strain after operating as the party’s main financier.

The party drifted without a leader ever since.

Why does it matter?

The DNA would be one of two third parties to compete in the upcoming General Election.

Besides the major parties—The Progressive Liberal Party and the Free National Movement, voters will have more choices. Based on the party’s appeal, its return could split the votes, as voters frustrated with the major parties could vote for the DNA.

Its return could also result in tighter margins in swing constituencies like Pinewood Gardens or Nassau Village, where victory margins were under 1,000 votes.

Even if they do not win, they shape the conversation.

But ultimately, the third party can act as a spoiler, splitting the opposition vote and indirectly helping the incumbent.

State of play

The party is said to be reorganizing to offer solutions to the ills facing the Bahamas—high cost of living, corruption, crime and unemployment, and is expected to hold a convention to elect new officers.

The bottom line

It remains to be seen if the DNA still appeals to a fraction of the Bahamian populace, can win a seat in the House of Assembly this time and whether or not familiar controversial faces will arise to front the party.

Featured pictures: The Tribune and Eye Witness News