Maurice Moore, a founding member of the Free National Movement (FNM), has emphasized the importance of the opposition party contesting the upcoming Golden Isles by-election. Speaking to The Tribune, Moore warned that allowing the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to run uncontested would be a strategic misstep. He argued that the FNM must remain in the political fray, even if the odds are stacked against them. While some believe the FNM could leverage the late Vaughn Miller’s limited popularity in the area, Moore acknowledged the PLP’s significant financial and organizational advantages, describing the race as challenging but not unwinnable. ‘We’re one of the two major parties, so we have to contest it,’ Moore stated. ‘Even if we win by a narrow margin, it demonstrates the FNM’s potential to secure victory in a general election.’ Moore also stressed that the party’s success will hinge on its candidate selection process. The FNM has yet to confirm whether it will field a candidate for the by-election, with party insiders divided on the issue. Some advocate for conserving resources for the national campaign, while others view the by-election as an opportunity to rally supporters and attract new funding. FNM leader Michael Pintard has remained noncommittal, reiterating his call for Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis to call an early general election instead. The party’s hesitation follows a recent defeat in the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election, where the FNM ignored advice from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham to avoid the race. Despite the setback, Moore insists that the FNM must not signal retreat. ‘If we don’t run, it gives the impression that we’ve given up,’ he said. ‘The FNM must always be in the fight.’