Today is Election Day in my native country, The Bahamas. And even though it’s not an official holiday, interest in the outcome of this election is such that the only thing most people will do today is vote and then rave about their Party’s imminent victory.
It is interesting to note, however, that despite there being virtually no substantive difference between the two major political Parties, politics in The Bahamas have become every bit as polarized as they are in the United States. Indeed, here’s an admittedly crude analogy to give you a sense of the dynamics involved: The ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is to the Democratic Party as the opposition Free National Movement (FNM) is to the Republican Party.
Incidentally, 111 candidates are contesting the 41 seats that comprise the House of Assembly, which performs all major legislative functions in our bicameral Parliament. And whichever Party wins a simple majority (i.e., 21 or more seats) will be declared the duly-elected government (and its leader the duly-elected prime minister) of The Bahamas.
Alas, little more than family ties determine Party affiliation for most Bahamians. In fact, the issues which motivate our people to vote PLP or FNM are so personal that they are not even worthy of commentary. But let me hasten to assure readers worldwide that – no matter which Party wins – the hospitality, accommodations and services that have made The Bahamas a top-rated tourist destination for decades will not be affected in the least. So don’t worry (visit and) be happy….
Meanwhile, the personal insults (a lot of it invoking the mess Anna Nicole left behind) that have characterized what little debate there was between PLP and FNM candidates have inflamed (equal and opposing) passions amongst the electorate to such degree that the outcome is very much in doubt. Therefore, the islands will be rife with cantankerous, even if suspended, animation all day.
Nevertheless, I urge all eligible Bahamians to honor your civic duty to vote – with the following admonition:
Do not feel obligated to vote for the Party that gave you the biggest stash of cash. Your vote is not for sale. Let only your conscience determine who gets your vote. And fear not. Because no matter what Party whips say, your ballot is secret and there’s no way Party leaders can find out how you voted.
So, vote! And let us all respect the results when they are officially announced.
Forward, Upward, Onward…Together!
Related Articles:
On the mess Anna Nicole left behind in The Bahamas
Bahamas national elections
JAY says
As a lover of the Bahamas, I have to disagree that there is no difference. The FNM clearly is more interested in more local control of the out islands and slowing down the amount of Crown Land being given to foreign developers.
saveguanacayreef.com
ALH ipinions says
Jay,
I appreciate your love of The Bahamas.
However, your link to Save Guana Cay betrays what seems a narrow interest and an apparent bias.
Whereas, if you were to click here, you’d see that I’ve actually written in support of Fred Smith’s quixotic fight against the PLP government to save this cay from adhesive commercial development.
But I remember well similar fights against the FNM government. In fact I recall the unseemly state of affairs that had FNM officials complaining because PLP officials were taking credit for “Crown Land being given away…” the FNM officials were already arranging when they were kicked out of office 5 years ago.
Alas, as one who is genuinely concerned about conservation and sensible land development in The Bahamas, I lament that the record in this respect warrants a pox on both their Parties.