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Marco City will be watched closely in the upcoming general election, and at the center of it is Michael Pintard.

The Free National Movement leader is seeking a third consecutive term as Member of Parliament for the Grand Bahama seat, a break from the constituency’s long-standing pattern of turnovers.

This time, the PLP has put forward Edward Whan, a businessman from Freeport, while the Coalition of Independents is represented by Jillian Bartlett. It raises familiar questions about vote splitting and whether third-party candidates can meaningfully disrupt the two-party race.

Historically, Marco City has switched between the FNM and the Progressive Liberal Party every election cycle, making sustained dominance rare.

The seat has moved from Pleasant Bridgewater (PLP) to Zhivargo Laing (FNM), then to Greg Moss (PLP), before Pintard’s back-to-back victories.

Pintard first won the seat in 2017 and held it again in 2021, where he secured 2,340 votes, comfortably ahead of PLP candidate Curt G. Hollingsworth, who received 1,359. Third-party and independent candidates, including those aligned with the Coalition of Independents, collectively drew a smaller but notable share of the vote.

Still, the focus remains on Pintard.

As both incumbent and party leader, his candidacy carries weight beyond the constituency. A third win would solidify his local political strength but also show momentum for the FNM nationally. A loss, however, would raise immediate questions about the party’s path to government.

As Election 2026 approaches, a question is surfacing again: Are members of the Free National Movement judged more harshly in controversy than their Progressive Liberal Party counterparts?

Among some voters, the perception is clear. When allegations or associations emerge, FNM figures often face swift calls for resignation or withdrawal. PLP leaders, critics argue, are more likely to defend, dismiss or outlast controversy.

The difference lies not just in the issue but in the response.

In 2023, when Immigration Minister Keith Bell faced criticism over decisions that some said bypassed senior immigration officials, the FNM called for his resignation. At the time, PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell publicly said he advised Bell not to respond to the controversy, suggesting it would not be beneficial.

The incident showed the PLP’s instinct to contain and stand firm rather than concede ground.

The pattern is being debated again.

After the arrest of Malcolm Goodman in the United States on drug charges, some PLP voices called on the FNM to reconsider Marvin Dames’ nomination for Mt Moriah, despite Dames not being accused of wrongdoing.

Dames acknowledged a past business arrangement with Goodman but denied any knowledge of alleged criminal activity.

At the same time, Sebas Bastian’s name appeared in recently released Jeffrey Epstein-related documents referencing trafficking allegations — allegations he has denied.

There has been no internal campaign within PLP ranks demanding political distance.

Prime Minister Philip Davis publicly stood by Bastian, insisting the claims would not affect the party’s election campaign.

Davis has also publicly stood by businessman Adrian Fox, who previously faced U.S. legal trouble connected to human smuggling allegations before entering a plea to a lesser vessel-related charge.

Davis told reporters Fox was both a client and a friend. He wrote to a U.S. judge urging a lenient sentence and later said that if given the opportunity, he would do it again.

To critics, this posture signals boldness, even defiance, in the face of controversy. To supporters, it reflects loyalty and a belief in second chances.

The broader question remains: Is accountability applied consistently, or through partisan lenses?

The Progressive Liberal Party on Thursday night ratified 15 candidates for the upcoming general election, with the slate dominated by sitting members of Parliament.

Of the 15 candidates approved, 12 are incumbents, while only three are new faces. This lineup suggests continuity of government as the party pushes further into campaign mode.

Ratification formally confirms the party’s endorsement of candidates and shows who will contest constituencies under the PLP banner. While the move does not guarantee success at the polls, it is an important step in the election cycle and allows candidates to begin campaigning officially.

Incumbents have an advantage, including name recognition, established constituencies, and parliamentary experience. Several of the ratified candidates currently serve in the Cabinet.

At the same time, the small number of new candidates can suggest that the party opted for measured changes rather than a broad refresh of its team going into the election. The three newcomers were introduced in South Abaco (Bradley Fox), MICAL (Ronnel Armbrister) and St James (Owen Wells), indicating targeted decisions—new constituencies added to the electoral map, and a few parliamentarians the party decided to take off the ticket this time around.

Watch here the PLP ratification of its second round of candidates.

With fewer new faces on the slate, the party’s campaign is shaped largely by familiar figures. With no sweeping adjustments across the ballot, it is similar to the 2021 slate.

For incumbents, voters shift attention to their records in office, and campaigns focus more on past performance, constituency work, and visibility.

Voters may judge new candidates on their ideas and work in the constituencies.

Voters will decide the outcome of the campaign period ahead.

The PLP is expected to wrap up ratifications in other constituencies as preparations for the general election intensify.

The Progressive Liberal Party is beginning to tighten its internal processes before the general election is called.

On Tuesday, eleven incumbents and aspiring candidates appeared before the Candidates Committee as decisions are being weighed ahead of the next general election, which is constitutionally due this year.

This round of interviews stood out because of the large number of hopefuls. Prime Minister Philip Davis also showed up himself. This sends a strong message publicly, and it can signal some type of readiness.

The group of potential candidates included former Senator Robyn Lynes; Ormanique Bowe (for Free Town); broadcaster Chris Saunders (for St. Anne’s); businessman Keno Wong (for St. Anne’s); Latorna McPhee (for St. Anne’s); and Bimini resident Tasha Bullard-Hamilton (for Bimini and Berry Islands).

Incumbents also appeared before the committee defending their records: Wayne Munroe, Wayde Watson for Bain and Grants Town, Zane Lightbourne for Yamacraw, Patricia Deveaux for Bamboo Town, and Lisa Rahming for Marathon.

Wayne Munroe, MP for Freetown, has framed his challenger, Bowe, as healthy competition, emphasizing unity over division. Parties nearing an election tend to manage internal differences carefully, knowing that public confidence often depends more on perception of cohesion.

“I always say that when somebody else steps up and is able to step up, that shows that a party is rich and has a defense. I happen to believe that I’m the best candidate to contest this seat, and that is what my position is, but it is her right to come and ask for a nomination, and I do not take it personally,” Munroe told reporters.

Bowe arrived with jitney buses of supporters and a Junkanoo rush-out, with shouts of “Wayne gotta go”.

“I am very confident, and like you say, the supporters show who they are behind today,” she said.

Candidate selection determines who carries the party banner, who steps aside. When these decisions are made, the path is smoother to election mode.

Davis’ appearance adds weight to the moment. It could mean an election is imminent, and it shows the party is positioning itself for the election before September.

Some of the party’s candidates will be ratified on Thursday: Sylvanus Petty, Kirk Cornish, Clay Sweeting, and Bradley Fox Jr.

Photo credit: William Mortimer

As the country moves closer to a general election, the Progressive Liberal Party wants to appear organized and united, based on comments from PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell.

Two weeks ago, reports surfaced about tension within the PLP over candidate selections, particularly in Southern Shores. Clint Watson and Obie Roberts are seeking the nomination, and it’s attracted public attention after a rowdy group nearly fought after a meeting, as each side contended for their candidate to represent the area.

The situation, as reported by the Tribune, several men had to step in repeatedly prevent a fight from unfolding and calm supporters.

Watch here the conflict at the Southern Shore constituency meeting.

Tempers remain raw as supporters await the party’s final decision after Watson and Roberts met with the candidate committee. Other reports have also surfaced regarding conflicts within the party as official candidates are nominated for the general election.

Mitchell’s response on Monday regarding the conflict was firm, stating there is no division. What the public viewed as discord, he described as “competition,” saying it is simply part of politics.

“Politics is about competition for power,” he told reporters. “It brings with it passions and energy, and, you know, people say things that they should or shouldn’t say, but that’s just part of the game.”

Mitchell calling the disagreement “competition” is narrative control. He knows that his words shape how the public sees what is happening, especially in an election year. When voters hear “division,” they think of disunity and instability. When they hear “competition,” they think energy, choices, friendship and political game.

Political parties often face internal battles in the lead-up to elections. By framing internal disputes as normal and healthy, Mitchell is attempting to protect the PLP’s image as a united party ready to govern a second term.

The PLP has ratified only part of its candidate slate, with more nominations expected soon, Mitchell said. The tension in Southern Shores could happen in other constituencies.

For voters, it remains to be seen whether everyone falls in line once the final decisions are made.

As election season approaches, expect careful language, more framing, and efforts to control the narrative.

As the political campaign season intensifies, questions are emerging about how political speech is policed and whether the standards are applied evenly.

Latrae Rahming, Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, cautioned social media users against using personal attacks online. Rahming emphasized that while healthy debate is important to democracy, freedom of expression does not give one license to target an individual’s character.

“I offer this strong recommendation, suggestion that, do not allow political actors to use you, to pay you to spread misinformation, whether it’s from the PLP, the FNM or the COI. Because when the day of judgment comes and you have to answer for your actions and consequences, those political parties won’t be there.

“Do not use social media to tear down others. The laws of the Bahamas are clear, and you could find yourself on the wrong side of it.” Rahming said.

His comments followed the arrest of a social media personality, bringing attention to the boundaries between political criticism, personal attacks, and criminal conduct.

Some have questioned whether the rules governing political expressions are evenly enforced.

“Hold on, wait. Doesn’t this administration have social media trolls that tear people down? Sherry More asked.

One poster Keesha said, “Practice what you preach,” highlighting the perceived double standards.

Rhonda Wilson added, “Lead by example.”

“Like I say, the Bahamas is becoming a communist country.” Scotty Daxon added.

Maria Russell joined the conversation. “I find it hypocritical to caution against personal attacks when the PLP itself has been known to employ so-called social media influencers, political contributors and paid trolls who relentlessly target individuals’ character.”

And Munroe Serena quipped, “Imagine the pioneers of this behavior now condemning it, wild times.”

Member of Parliament for St Anne’s Adrian White demanded, “Stop threatening people. Preach that at a PLP meeting, not from the perch of the Office of the Prime Minister…Had your administration been good, people would speak good. As this is not the case, listen, don’t threaten.”

And another poster Channy Burrows rebuked Rahming, “You never know what to say and never know what to speak on. You need to remember that not only are you employed with the office of the Prime Minister, you boldly support and campaign for the government. You should feel very silly making this statement when the loudest person on the internet is a bully for the party you support.”

As the general election draws closer, voters are likely to scrutinize online users’ political commentary and watch for political trolls who are most visible during this season.

Newly elected Member of Parliament for Golden Isles, Darron Pickstock, officially took his seat in the House of Assembly today following his by-election victory.

Sitting on the government’s backbench with members of his family in the gallery, Pickstock used his first address to express gratitude and to outline his commitment to the constituency.

“I will work hard for Golden Isles, harder than anyone has ever worked. I will be present. I will listen. And I will act,” he said.

Pickstock also pledged to support entrepreneurship in the community, promising to be “a partner, not a barrier,” and outlined his vision of “a golden future for Golden Isles” rooted in “inclusivity, equity and shared progress.”

Reflecting on his early years, Pickstock spoke about the lessons learned from hard work and perseverance.

“I packed bags, bussed tables and cleaned floors as a teen, working nights to pay for day classes. If you want a better life, you have to be prepared to put in the work,” he said. “I come from a working family, raised on modest means, but with high expectations.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis praised Pickstock’s journey, calling him a symbol of what ordinary Bahamians can achieve.

“You asked the people for a chance. Now prove them right and go beyond their expectations,” Davis said. He also hailed the by-election result as a major victory for the Progressive Liberal Party.

“PLP is an unbeatable machine, once we get rolling, we take up everything in its wake.”

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard formally congratulated Pickstock and expressed hope that Golden Isles would see meaningful transformation under his leadership.

After the dust settled, Kingsley Smith won the majority of the votes in the PLP stronghold–West End and Bimini constituency, filling a seat left vacant after the death of Obediah Wilchcombe, nearly two months ago.

The win for the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate who won most of the polling divisions, is a reposed confidence in the governing party of which Wilchcombe was government leader and served two non-consecutive terms as an area representative in a constituency that has consistently voted for PLP for many years.

“[I’m] feeling overwhelmed,” Smith told reporters after the win. “I feel elated and humbled.

“It’s an overwhelming experience to enter for the first time, the halls of parliament…I will improve what was done [in West Grand Bahama and Bimini] and take the constituency to another level.”

The constituency of West Grand Bahama and Bimini has faced neglect over the years with poor infrastructure, high unemployment and high cost of living highlighted by the FNM as it convinced voters to give the PLP “a spanking” and “put them in the dog house” as punishment.

The PLP though, with Kingsley Smith on their ticket, never admitted guilt of any kind, but promised to improve the lives of the constituents with a three-year plan, having signed a 2.8 million contract for road works, just Friday, hoping to keep voters on their side and garner swing support.

Though Smith, reared in Bimini, the chief passport officer and a former FNM, having just defected in 2021, felt like an underwhelming candidate in the race, he garnered enough votes in the PLP stronghold to beat Bishop Ricardo Grant, the FNM candidate and popular clergyman in Grand Bahama.

His win shows that the FNM did little to change the minds of an electorate that is ‘diehard’ PLP.

Lady Marguerite Pindling is not happy right now, about the party her husband Sir Lynden Pindling founded.

The prominent figure and former Governor General gave a scorching rebuke of the Progressive Liberal Party on Majority Rule Day, the same day marked in honor of her husband’s fight for equality for Bahamians.

Standing near his gravesite at a ceremony behind a podium, she said the party is using her husband as “a stepping stone.”

“I do not appreciate it,” she said as her hands shook.

Prime Minister Philip Davis who now leads the PLP, sat in the front row, emotionless, along with former Prime Minister Perry Christie, who succeeded Pindling. He too sat quietly as a small crowd gathered under and around a tent, clapping and cheering.

“I’m sorry Mr Prime Minister, I promise I was going to behave, but I think yall should know who I am by now.

“You owe me an apology and I expect Mr Chairman [Fred Mitchell], right now,” she concluded before she abruptly walked off to her seat.

Her remarks are surprising since she has never made a public political commentary. Though it is unclear why she is upset, her anger against the party may have been brewing for some time. Her daughter Monique Pindling castigated the party in 2021 when she was refused the nomination as candidate for South Andros, also claiming the PLP only wants to use her father’s name when it is convenient, suggesting the party alluded to the negativity attached to the Pindling legacy.

“It’s not that we have sole ownership [of his legacy] but my thought is, you can’t use him when it’s convenient for you, you can’t use him for good and then say it’s bad, you can’t use him when it’s good occasions or certain occasions and then drop him when you feel like it,” Monique said in 2021.

“If you’re gonna use him, use him for good. Don’t just use him as if he’s a commodity when you could get up and you could say what you want to say.”

She said about a meeting in January of that year which she described as “interesting” and “tight.”

“They wanted me or my mom or my family to participate at the (Sir Lynden’s) gravesite for Majority Rule,” referring to the celebration in 2021.

Pindling is revered as the most dominant figure in Bahamian politics.

Lady Pindling continued on Tuesday, “The leadership was so excited, they forgot I existed. But I want you to know that I’m alive, doing well, of sound mind, and in good health. And waiting for all that is going to take place. Because I do not like it. I’m sorry Mr Mitchell, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I cannot contain it any longer.”

The questions are whether the party will lose supporters who revered Sir Lynden Pindling, will the party now be viewed as unstable, and whether Lady Pindling’s remark has created a bad image for the party.

Photo credit: Tribune–Moise Amisial