generalelection

The day Parliament is dissolved will be significant, as the country moves closer to a general election.

When Prime Minister Philip Davis advises the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, it officially ends the current legislative term.

Here’s what actually happens:

The Commissioner of Police, acting as Provost Marshall will formally announce it from the steps of Parliament.

Davis would announce the election date, and all speculation would end.

The House of Assembly, where Members of Parliament meet to debate, discuss and vote on the laws, immediately stops sitting. And all official parliamentary business ends.

From that moment, MPs are no longer MPs but return to being private citizens. Even Cabinet ministers lose the letters “MP” after their names, because technically, no one holds that title anymore.

The prime minister and government ministers remain in office to ensure continuity. The administration shifts into what’s often called “caretaker mode,” meaning major new policy decisions are typically avoided unless necessary. Essential services continue, and the public service keeps functioning.

The business of governing, in its basic form, continues.

But the Parliamentary Registration closes, meaning that eligible voters are no longer able to register or transfer their address.

Parties move from governing to campaigning. Political parties mobilize and campaign offices activate and intensify. Candidates begin the final push across constituencies.

Dissolution marks the formal end of one Parliament and clears the path for voters to choose the next one.

For the governing Progressive Liberal Party, the opposition Free National Movement, and the third party Coalition of Independents, it is the start of the election race.

When a reporter attempted to nudge Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard to give a response on whether or not Rick Fox was running on the FNM ticket since Fox announced his plans to run in the next general election, Pintard didn’t deny any assertions, but he leaned in.

“I think he has a tremendous amount that he can contribute to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas,” he said of Fox outside of Parliament on Wednesday.

“It’s regrettable that the deputy prime minister and the PLP would have taken potshots at him, referencing, again, his time competing for Canada. We have many Bahamians across the globe who are doing incredible things, and some have done some things under different banners, but they’ve remained loyal to The Bahamas, and we should reward that.”

“We are prepared to talk to Bahamians locally and abroad who wish to contribute to the empowerment of Bahamians.”

It seems Pintard is quietly signaling that the Free National Movement is courting Fox to become one of its candidates in the next general election.

Pintard praised Fox for his “tremendous amount” of contributions to the Bahamas.

If the FNM did not consider Fox, Pintard would have disassociated himself with Fox. But Pintard is signaling his party’s openness to a Fox partnership. Voters can now imagine Fox under the FNM banner

Pintard defended Fox strongly and sharply criticized the Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper and the PLP for taking “potshots” at Fox over competing for Canada.

Cooper said last week, he thought Fox, an ambassador-at-large and appointed by the PLP, was Canadian.

By defending Fox publicly, Pintard demonstrates that he values Fox and protects it. That is not something he would do if Fox were to head to the PLP or run as an independent. Neither would Cooper have said that.

Pintard then broadened the conversation to a bigger message: “We welcome Bahamians abroad.”

The line worth highlighting is: “We are prepared to talk to Bahamians locally and abroad who wish to contribute.”

It widens the scope from Rick Fox to the idea of recruiting voters from the diaspora, which suggests that Fox could be part of a strategy to bring high-profile Bahamians under the FNM banner.

Based on Fox’s criticism of the Progressive Liberal Party and Cooper’s off-putting statement about Fox, and Pintard’s defense of him, it could be concluded that Fox is very likely joining the FNM.

Since former NBA champion, actor and businessman, and ambassador Rick Fox, who has Bahamian roots, announced his intention to enter Bahamian politics ahead of the next general election, it instantly sparked debate.

Fox’s name recognition and influence can make him one of the most recognizable potential candidates on the political ticket. His pursuit of a candidacy has raised questions: Is he really Bahamian? And will his fame transfer into a successful politician?

Bahamian elections favor candidates with deep Bahamian ties, presence, and strong party backing, and some with a clear record of constituency work. And voters often prioritize whom they are familiar and party loyalty.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper questioned whether or not Fox was Bahamian or Canadian. “If Rick is a Bahamian, he is free to run for politics. I don’t know what his nationality is. I always thought he was Canadian, but if he is Bahamian, he can certainly offer himself for politics in the Bahamas.”

Around the world, celebrity candidates have entered politics and have been successful. Individuals like George Weah of Liberia, Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, and Arnold Schwarzenegger of California have successfully translated fame into political power.

Fox enters the political arena with several advantages: His name is easily recognized, he may have a strong appeal to younger voters, and his messages to social media focus on transparency, opportunities, and economic development, an appeal to Bahamians desiring better.

These factors could allow him to quickly gain attention and build momentum.

Fox, like some candidates, doesn’t have experience in governance and will need to choose between joining a structured political party or running independently.

It remains to be seen which constituency Fox runs in, which party he chooses to align himself with, and how he balances celebrity status with political endeavors.

Fox’s potential candidacy highlights perhaps a shift in modern Bahamian politics, an arena common for traditional politics.

The Golden Isles by-election is not just a single constituency race. It is a report card for the governing party, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

But what would it actually mean if the PLP loses this one seat?

Let’s break it down:

1. It wouldn’t change the Government

Even if the PLP loses Golden Isles, they will still control the House of Assembly because they have a strong majority. They still have enough members of parliament to pass laws, budgets, and continue governing.

The Free National Movement or Coalition of Independents winning the seat will not shift power.

2. It will send a political message

By-elections can be mini-referendums on the governing party. A loss for the PLP could be a sign that the populace is frustrated over:

• rising cost of living
• the pace of government

Even if voters still support the PLP nationally, losing Golden Isles would send a warning that public confidence is dwindling.

3. It energizes the Opposition

For the FNM, a win here would be more than just taking a seat, it would restore morale after a tough general election loss in 2021.

It would validate the leadership of Michael Pintard. And it would attract donors, and momentum going into the general election.

The Coalition of Independents would also claim legitimacy if they perform strongly, even without winning.

4. It changes the PLP conversation

People say politics is about perception.

A PLP loss would shift their narrative from “steady leadership” to “cracks in leadership.”

That could influence how the government communicates with the public and how it responds to public pressure on key issues.

The big picture

Golden Isles may be one seat but it will show whether Bahamians will give the PLP credit for progress, or whether frustrations over daily struggles have taken a toll.

The bottom line

A PLP loss will not topple the government but it could reshape the conversation heading into 2026 general election.

For the government, it is a wake-up call to reconnect with the public. And for the opposition, it’s a chance to prove they can still win the hearts of voters.

Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears, a veteran politician and Cabinet minister, has publicly endorsed businessman and Ambassador Sebas Bastian as his favored successor in the next general election.

His name has long floated around the Progressive Liberal Party’s circles.

Though the PLP has not yet nominated Bastian, the endorsement has sparked discussion about which direction the party appears to be heading and the blurred line between the acquisition of wealth, media influence, and political power in the Bahamas.

Who is Sebas Bastian?

Bastian is the owner of Island Luck, one of the country’s largest gaming businesses, and is also the owner of Eyewitness News.

He also serves as a Non-resident Ambassador to South America and has built a reputation as a technology-minded entrepreneur.

If he officially enters frontline politics, he would bring significant resources, media reach, and youth appeal. However, it would raise questions about the crossing of the controversial gaming industry and power.

What this could mean for the PLP

Inside the party, his nomination could energize young people and attract the youth and other like-minded technology-based entrepreneurs.

But it will also draw criticism from the religious sector of society, which is wary of the gambling ties with politics.

What happens next

Bastian would still need to be formally nominated by the PLP’s Candidates Committee, and it is not known when the party will announce its list of candidates for the upcoming general election.

The Free National Movement has already nominated Travis Robinson as its official candidate for the area and has been working in the community for some time.

Sears served consecutively for two terms in Fort Charlotte. The Free National Movement’s Mark Humes won the seat in 2017 before Sears came back to win it for the PLP, serving a third term.

Featured pictures: ZNS and Facebook

When Golden Isles MP and Cabinet Minister Vaughn Miller died suddenly, it left one seat in the House of Assembly empty. The question now is whether the government should call a by-election to fill the seat or skip it since a general election looms.

A Golden Isles by-election could be a fiscal waste and a political risk for the Progressive Liberal Party.

Why It Matters

Golden Isles Constituents are without a voice and a representative in the House of Assembly. Many may argue that voters deserve a member of parliament, even if for a short time. Not filling the seat could look dismissive to residents who already felt neglected by Miller before his death.

This by-election can be a financial waste, costing thousands of dollars in staffing, ballots, and logistics. In 2012, the North Abaco by-election reportedly cost about $25,000. In 2023, the West End and Bimini by-election reportedly cost about $10 million. And a New Providence by-election could cost even more.

Some may argue, why spend tens of thousands on a short-term parliamentarian when Bahamians will go back to the polls soon for the general election?

The by-election just months before a general election could be a political risk–a referendum on the government’s performance and popularity. If the PLP loses the seat or wins narrowly, it sends the wrong message heading into the polls. A loss, or even a close result, would bolster the Free National Movement (FNM).

The FNM, Coalition of Independents (COI) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), already gearing up for a general election, may not want another round of campaigning, and voters may feel election fatigue.

However, with a by-election, the PLP can show its strength by defending its 2021 win while testing its campaign machinery ahead of the general election.

The big picture

In 2021, PLP won Golden Isles by 627 votes. That’s comfortable but not untouchable. A swing of 300–400 voters could flip the seat.

By-elections often see lower turnouts, meaning a small shift in motivation to vote can make a big difference.

The FNM candidate for the constituency, Brian Brown, has already been nominated to run and has been canvassing the constituency for a few years, even after his loss to Vaughn Miller in 2021, meaning constituents know him and have tested his commitment to the area.

The PLP, without a candidate selected for the area, will lose ground. Miller was not popular with voters, with many vowing not to vote for him if he was nominated again by the party to contest the seat for a third term because of his lackadaisical approach as an MP.

The bottom line

Whether Prime Minister Philip Davis calls a by-election or waits, he will suffer the consequences. The PLP can risk an early loss if they call a by-election now, or save taxpayers money but leave Golden Isles voiceless if they wait until the general election.

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