NASSAU, Bahamas – The leader of the main opposition Free National Movement, (FNM) Michael Pintard has conceded defeat in Tuesday’s general election as the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is heading towards a convincing victory.
FNM leader, Michael Pintard conceding defeat in the general election (CMC Photo)While the ballots are still being counted in the general election that Prime Minister Phillip Davis called ahead of the constitutional deadline, Pintard said the results were not what the party had anticipated.
“To the young person who voted FNM for the first time, I want to say to you that your commitment today should not leave you wondering tonight whether your vote mattered. I want you to hear us. It mattered,” Pintard said.
“You stood in line and cast a ballot for the Bahamas you believed in. That is something significant. That’s everything. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. To the Bahamians who have been with the FNM since the days of success…those who voted in every election since 1972, who’ve watched victories and watched losses, and who is sitting tonight wondering if the long road was worth it, I say to you that it was.”
Among the casualties of the election is former prime minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, who contested the election as an independent candidate for the Killarney seat after the FNM decided against supporting his candidature.
Minnis, who has represented the western New Providence constituency (Killarney) since 2007, became the first Bahamian prime minister to contest an election as an independent, saying his decision is driven by a belief that there is still work to be done for the country.
No political party has formed the government for two consecutive terms since 1997, when Hubert Ingraham led the FNM to victory after toppling the PLP in 1992.
Davis had guided his PLP to power in the September 16, 2021 general election, winning 32 of the 39 seats with the remainder going to the then ruling FNM. This time around, there are 41 seats at stake in the election.
