Neil Campbell, the returning officer overseeing the Golden Isles by-election, has firmly defended his impartiality following a chaotic standoff over the handling of advance poll ballot boxes. The controversy erupted after Michael Pintard, leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), accused Campbell of political bias, citing his close personal ties to Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, whom Campbell refers to as his ‘adopted father.’ Campbell, who is responsible for supervising the vote count and ensuring legal compliance, dismissed these allegations as baseless, emphasizing that his professional conduct remains unaffected by personal relationships.
Campbell, a native of Cat Island, highlighted his extensive experience in electoral processes, having served in numerous general, local government, and labor elections. He stressed that his connections span across party lines, noting that Pintard is his cousin and that he has known FNM candidate Brian Brown since childhood. ‘I call Mr. Davis my adopted father,’ Campbell stated, ‘but my professional actions are guided by my oath to serve all Bahamians impartially.’
The dispute arose when FNM and Coalition of Independents (COI) supporters blocked the removal of ballot boxes, claiming officials had deviated from an agreed-upon transportation procedure. Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson intervened, asserting that the voting process had been orderly and lawful, with agents witnessing and signing off on every step. Thompson described the confrontation as ‘deeply regrettable’ and called for ‘sober judgment and responsible leadership.’
Campbell revealed that the hostility has shaken senior civil servants, with some now reluctant to participate in future elections. Despite the tension, a compromise was reached to allow party agents to accompany the ballot box, ensuring transparency. Campbell’s steadfast defense of his integrity underscores the challenges of maintaining impartiality in politically charged environments.