As the country heads to a general election on May 12, a cluster of constituencies, some described as “over-the-hill”, is burdened by persistent socio-economic challenges.
In these areas, the Progressive Liberal Party has traditionally enjoyed strong support. Incumbents such as Wade Watson (Bain and Grants Town), Jomo Campbell (Centerville), Glenys Hanna-Martin (Englerston), Wayne Munroe (Free Town) and Kingsley Smith (West End) are again seeking the confidence of voters.
Michael Halkitis (St Barnabas) ran in 2021 but lost and is on the ballot again this election cycle.
The PLP candidates will face Free National Movement candidates Jay Philippe, Darvin Russell, Heather McDonald, Lincoln Deal, Omar Isaacs and Jamal Moss.
These constituencies are often characterised by visible challenges like ageing infrastructure, inconsistent garbage collection, substandard housing conditions, and long-standing issues linked to poverty and unemployment.
In Englerston, for example, Hanna-Martin’s tenure spans nearly 30 years, making her one of the longest-serving MPs in the country. Others, like Watson and Campbell, are first-term incumbents, while Smith entered Parliament through a by-election in 2023. Veteran Halkitis, meanwhile, seeks to become the representative in a seat previously held by FNM Shanendon Cartwright.
But these communities have had long connections to the PLP.
Supporters of the PLP often point to its historical connection to Sir Lynden Pindling in advancing the interests of working-class Bahamians, particularly in communities that have felt marginalized in years past.
That history continues to shape how they vote today.
Many, however, argue that loyalty to the PLP has not consistently translated into visible transformation in their constituencies. The concern is whether that support is being matched by measurable progress.
Overflowing drains, sanitation issues, and limited job prospects are their daily realities. Their MPs may point to programs, contracts, and incremental upgrades, while some constituents measure progress by what they see and feel.
When the two realities do not align, frustration grows, and “slow change” begins to feel like no change at all. Votes may then shift to an FNM candidate.
As voters prepare to return to the polls, it remains to be seen who wins these seats and what the victories mean.