Others suggest voter apathy
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) national convention wrapped up and the Free National Movement (FNM) nearly half way through its five-year term, some voters are already expressing voter.
“I don’t really feel strongly about any party, but we definitely need a change,” a father of three, who did not wish to give his name, told Eyewitness News.
“It seems like the country is legislating corruption instead of fixing it.”
Meanwhile, Charlene Smith expressed voter’s remorse.
She said she believes there is little difference between the two main political parties.
“Instead of going [forward], we are going back,” Smith told Eyewitness News.
“When I voted for the FNM this term, I thought it would be better for us, but it hasn’t been.”
Another man, who wished to remain unnamed, said he would vote for the PLP, but only under new leadership.
“I believe that the PLP needs a new leader,” he said.
“[Former Prime Minister] Perry Christie was getting [up] in age and if they were to get a new leader, I believe they would do well.
Following the party’s two-day convention last week, PLP Leader Philip Brave Davis and PLP Deputy Leadership — both of whom ran unopposed — retained the top two posts in the party.
PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell also held onto his post, beating former Minister of Tourism Obie WIlchcombe for the second time since October 2017.
Several others interviewed by Eyewitness News expressed mixed reactions.
Some said they were unsure who to vote for and were even considering abstaining.
Others, who were unwilling to indicate their political preference, said they wished the next government would do more for the people.
The next general election is expected to be called sometime in 2022.
In the last election, the FNM crushed the PLP, winning 35 of the 39 seats.
One woman told Eyewitness News, “I voted for the FNM, and trust me I would never vote for them again.
“It doesn’t make sense that the cost of living continues to rise and yet minimum wage remains the same.
“Foreigners come here and complain that our tax is worse than theirs and that’s absurd.”
The government increased valued-added tax from 7.5 percent to 12 percent in July 2018, just three years after the government introduced the tax in January 2015.
The PLP has said it plans to rescue the electorate from the poor governance of the FNM.
The opposition said it will present new ideas, new candidates and a message that will attract voters and restore their confidence.
The Minnis administration has continued to make the case that it has set the country of the right track, pointing out that international credit ratings agencies and other financial sector watchdogs have affirmed the positive growth of the country and its reining in of the national debt.
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