eastgrandbahama

As the country heads into the May 12 general election, East Grand Bahama presents a familiar battleground.

The constituency is currently held by Kwasi Thompson of the Free National Movement, who secured the seat in 2021 and is seeking re-election.

This election cycle, he faces a challenge from Monique Pratt of the Progressive Liberal Party, along with Dexter Edwards representing the Coalition of Independents.

East Grand Bahama traditionally leans toward the FNM. From 2012 to 2021, the seat was held by former Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest, reinforcing the party’s longstanding grip on the constituency.

That pattern held in 2021 when Thompson won with 2,090 votes. The PLP candidate secured 1,686 votes, while the Coalition of Independents candidate received 372 votes. Smaller third-party candidates collectively accounted for just 138 votes, out of a total turnout of 4,286.

The numbers point to a clear advantage for the FNM.

Thompson enters the race as the favourite. Incumbency, party loyalty, and the constituency’s historical alignment work in his favor.

On paper, East Grand Bahama remains one of the more stable seats for the FNM heading into this election.

The presence of Edwards introduces a variable that could reshape the margins, if not the outcome. While the Coalition of Independents did not pose a major threat in 2021, growing frustration with the FNM and PLP, this could translate into increased support.

For Monique Pratt, the path to victory is more difficult. The PLP must not only close the historical gap with the FNM but also contend with the possibility of vote-splitting driven by a third-party surge.

It remains to be seen whether Pratt can consolidate enough support to challenge Thompson directly.

Michael Pintard could become the first prime minister from Grand Bahama.

For the country’s ‘second city,’ that would represent a shift politically.

For decades, the prime ministership has largely centred around New Providence. But if Pintard, the leader of the Free National Movement and MP for Marco City, was to lead his party to a strong victory in Grand Bahama, it could change the island from an economic afterthought to a political driving force.

“We will deliver first-class public service, first-class representation, not with arrogance but with humility. No gimmicks, no games, we are here to usher in a new era for GB,” Pintard said about transforming the island on Friday at the FNM Grand Bahama Candidate Launch.

Grand Bahama has long been considered ‘FNM country’. Central and East Grand Bahama consistently vote FNM. Marco City has remained in FNM hands for two consecutive elections under Pintard. Pineridge is a swing seat. West Grand Bahama leans PLP but has flipped before.

If the FNM was to capture four or even all five seats on the island, it would send a powerful message.

It would show that Pintard can mobilise the island, widely seen as the FNM’s political base. A dominant performance in Grand Bahama would strengthen his leadership and build momentum.

Grand Bahama has endured years of economic strain, from the closure of the Grand Lucayan Resort to rising power bills, unemployment, and stalled development projects. Many voters are looking for a revival of the economy.

Pintard reminded Grand Bahamians: “The government does not have real plans for this island. You have not heard him (Davis) lay out a plan that can transform our lives. What he does do is he issues a new round of promises. He hasn’t affected your light bill; they haven’t gone down. What he hasn’t done is he hasn’t improved affordability. Some of you have moved two times, three times in one year…These are tough times for so many people.”

Still, even a sweep for Pintard in Grand Bahama would not automatically secure Pintard the Office of the Prime Minister because elections are decided seat by seat across the country.

However, if Pintard wins big in Grand Bahama, it could mark a turning point for the island.