PM: I want to assure Bahamians that the voting process will be safe
Protocols limit in-person campaigning to groups of five vaccinated people only
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — During his national address on Sunday night, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis reminded political parties that as the country prepares for the upcoming general election, curfews will be strictly enforced and public health measures must be adhered to.
Minnis rang the proverbial election bell last week Thursday, sparking widespread election fervor.
Hours after the prime minister’s announcement, political parties mobilized to begin posting their flyers and other paraphernalia around New Providence.
By the next day, major thoroughfares throughout the island were blanketed with Free National Movement (FNM) and Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) signs, which some members of the public have criticized as wasteful.
Over the weekend, party supporters were seen clad in T-shirts and other paraphernalia while moving through different communities via motorcades and on foot.
Minnis, however, advised on Sunday that the COVID-19 emergency orders limit people campaigning to groups of five, all of whom must be fully vaccinated.
“I want to assure Bahamians that the voting process will be safe,” the prime minister said.
“I encourage all who are eligible to go out and vote.”
Both the FNM and PLP have planned political rallies throughout the short snap election period — less than four weeks away.
However, concerns continue to mount on how these events will be held given COVID-19 social distancing and gathering restrictions and the rising number of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths.
Asked about the risks of campaigning during such a vulnerable time in the country, FNM Chairman Carl Culmer said the reality is Bahamians must learn to cope and work within a COVID environment.
“Let us be honest with ourselves, COVID isn’t going anywhere anytime soon,” he said. “We need to learn how to operate in a COVID environment.”
Meanwhile, PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell said his party has been prepared to campaign “for some time”, despite the prime minister insisting the election was not due until May 2022.
He noted that the party anticipated this election campaign would be more over-the-phone and through social media, given the COVID-19 environment.
“All of this jostling in public, while it’s good for the psychology of supporters and the converted, what really counts is going door-to-door and that’s what I intend to concentrate on,” Mitchell said.
“Our candidates have been told this is a serious time — they ought to concentrate on getting to meet voters, do not get into arguments with people, stay away from contention, be moderate in your behavior, understand the season you are in and I think we will get across the finish line the first past the polls”.
