The Progressive Liberal Party faces significant internal discord regarding the potential staging of a pre-election voting convention, revealing deep fractures within the Bahamian political organization. Senior figures and supporters remain sharply divided on whether such an event would demonstrate party strength or create unnecessary division mere months before the nation heads to the polls.
Prominent voices within the PLP have expressed serious reservations about the convention’s strategic value. Former MP Shane Gibson questioned the fundamental purpose of holding internal elections at this critical juncture, suggesting it might primarily serve to highlight government achievements rather than address substantive organizational needs. His skepticism echoes concerns raised by PLP Deputy National Coordinator for Elections Valentine Grimes, who warned about the potentially divisive nature of internal contests so close to a general election.
The opposition to the convention finds its most vocal proponent in former MP Leslie Miller, who dismissed the entire exercise as “a trivial exercise in futility” that would have minimal impact on voter behavior. Miller emphasized that Bahamian voters typically don’t seriously engage with election decisions until March, suggesting the convention would amount to wasted effort.
Amidst this debate, attention has turned to potential leadership contenders. Current Party Chairman Fred Mitchell has indicated he will not seek re-election, focusing instead on retaining his Fox Hill constituency. Communications Director Latrae Rahming, frequently mentioned as a potential successor, has remained publicly circumspect about his intentions while expressing humility at being considered.
Senator D’Asante Small has emerged as another potential candidate, refusing to rule out a leadership bid while emphasizing her commitment to strengthening the party through modernization, expanded membership, and support for emerging leaders. She specifically encouraged other young PLP members to step forward, noting the party’s openness to new leadership.
Despite the substantial opposition, some party members advocate strongly for the convention. Joe Johnson, chairman of the PLP’s Men’s Branch, characterized the event as a crucial launch mechanism that could generate momentum and energy ahead of the general election. He emphasized the historical significance of potentially securing consecutive electoral victories, something not achieved in decades.
The PLP’s last pre-election convention in 2017 resulted in a decisive victory for then-Prime Minister Perry Christie over challenger Alfred Sears, though the party subsequently suffered a sweeping defeat in the general election—a historical precedent that continues to inform current deliberations.