Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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Letters | Opinion | Editorial | Weekend Report |
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A preview of what's to come Although the by-election expected to take place in the Elizabeth constituency will do so in Nassau, Grand Bahamians should still pay attention to what is going on during the process leading up to that by-election and to the election process itself. Sure, Elizabeth is far removed from Grand Bahama, but the truth is, what each political party has to say may hold more meaning to Grand Bahamians come general election time than anyone can imagine. The emphasis at the rallies taking place in Elizabeth will not be just on issues pertaining to the residents in that constituency. On the contrary. With so much going on in both major political parties, this fight in Elizabeth will take place beyond the boundary lines. The resignation from the House of Assembly by Malcolm Adderley not only brought about a by-election in the constituency he once represented, but it has opened a "Pandora's Box" for both parties. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) will no doubt be going all out to regain the seat left vacant by Adderley. On the other hand, the Free National Movement may not have much at stake in this seat, because it will not affect whether or not they remain the government. Sure, they would love to have another seat in the House of Assembly, but how important will this fight be for them? Then there is the struggling Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM), who would love to get their first seat as an Independent in the House of Assembly. In this present political environment, with a rebounding economy and a frustrated populace, perhaps the BDM is hoping to be a spoiler for both the PLP and the FNM by taking away some of their votes, particularly among the frustrated, weary and confused voters in Elizabeth. However, the main thing to pay attention to in this fight for Elizabeth is what will be said at the rallies, on the streets and among party personnel. For what is said, especially in the public, will give voters here in Grand Bahama some insight into how each party thinks as they look forward to a general election in 2012. Will the government reveal something about the economy during a by-election rally in Elizabeth? Will they "let the cat out of the bag" about some plans they may have ahead for the future of the country, which should have really been brought up during a general election rally? Can the FNM muster up the strength and the courage to fight a by-election battle and win. A loss in Elizabeth can say much for how Bahamians may be feeling towards Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and the Free National Movement. This will also be the testing ground for the Right Hon. Perry Christie. A loss by the PLP in Elizabeth will also reveal how the populace feel about Mr. Christie and his PLP. No, this is not just a battle for a by-election, this is more of a preview of what we can expect in a general election. Elizabeth is the proving ground for all of the political parties, so Grand Bahamians ought to pay close attention to what is being said and what is going on.
Monday, January 11, 2010 |
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