Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas has firmly dismissed calls for the removal of Golden Isles Returning Officer Neil Campbell, despite allegations of a conflict of interest. Campbell recently referred to Davis as his ‘adopted father,’ a statement that the opposition Free National Movement (FNM) claims compromises the integrity of the upcoming by-election. Davis, however, argued that personal relationships in a small nation like The Bahamas do not equate to undue influence or bias. He emphasized the robust safeguards in place to ensure the transparency and fairness of the electoral process, including the presence of election agents and the ability to challenge results in court if necessary. Davis also addressed public concerns about his connection to Campbell, stating that familiarity does not translate into interference. ‘Many persons have called me daddy,’ he remarked, attributing the term to his personal character rather than any professional obligation. The FNM, led by Chairman Dr. Duane Sands, has insisted that Campbell’s removal is essential to maintain public trust in the election’s fairness. Meanwhile, the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has accused the FNM of spreading fear and misinformation to undermine confidence in the electoral system. In preparation for the by-election, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has announced that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force will assist police in maintaining order and ensuring a peaceful voting process.
