Voters in the Caribbean archipelago are set to cast their ballots in a hotly contested general election featuring high-profile candidates such as former NBA champion Rick Fox.

Immigration and Cost of Living Concerns

Concerns about immigration, especially from neighboring Haiti, and the rising cost of living are top issues for voters — Gas prices have spiked due to the war in the Middle East, adding to the economic pressure.

More than 200,000 people have registered to vote in 41 constituencies, while the governing Progressive Liberal party (PLP), the opposition Free National Movement (FNM), and the Coalition of Independents (COI) are all vying for control of parliament.

Historically, third parties have struggled to gain parliamentary seats in the Bahamas. However, political observers are watching closely to see if the COI, which has a strong social media presence, can build on the nearly 8,000 votes it secured in the 2021 election.

PLP’s Bid for Stability

Philip ‘Brave’ Davis. 74, is seeking a second term as prime minister for the PLP. He has framed the election as a choice between stability and uncertainty, arguing his administration has guided the country through post-pandemic recovery and record tourism growth.

According to Christopher Curry, an associate professor of history at the University of the Bahamas, Davis has focused on the argument that changing parties while plans from 2021 are still in progress could destabilize the country.

Curry expects the PLP to retain power but noted the FNM has seen some success in recent weeks by emphasizing immigration. He added. “Switching their campaigning slogan from ‘We work for you not for the few’ to ‘Save our Sovereignty (SOS)’ created more traction with Bahamian people.”.

Curry also mentioned that there tends to be an underlying sort of xenophobia among many Bahamians, which the opposition is playing on.

FNM’s Immigration Stance and Cost of Living

Carlyle Bethel, the FNM’s assistant treasurer, accused the government of failing to deal with illegal immigration; he stated that the FNM has made it clear that anyone entering the country illegally will never have a pathway to citizenship.

He added, “If you want to become a citizen, there is a way to apply. The idea that you can break the law, that you can sneak in, and then demand citizenship down the line, we are saying is not right and will not be tolerated.”

Bethel also highlighted the rising cost of living in the Bahamas. He noted that in New Providence, a gallon of gas has reached about $7. Since the Bahamian dollar is pegged one to one to the US dollar, he compared it to the frustration Americans feel about gas prices.

Bethel defended Rick Fox, a three-time NBA champion and FNM candidate, who lunged at a critic during an argument on the campaign trail. He stated, “I make no apology for [Fox’s] level of passion and enthusiasm … [and] level of commitment. He’s always been committed to this country. He’s always been giving back, whether it’s in basketball, whether it’s in community, whether it’s rebuilding after [Hurricane] Dorian.”

Davin Beneby, 33, who works in energy and transport, stated that sticking with the PLP was the best option. He said, “I’ve seen where the economy has grown since the pandemic. I’ve seen the unemployment rate actually go down.”

T Johnson, a 46-year-old FNM supporter, believed her party had a better record of moving the country forward. She added that the FNM had made university education “almost free of charge” when in power.