Opposition parties urge voters to be prepared to vote out Government

NASSAU, Bahamas, Apr 4, CMC – The main opposition Free National Movement (FNM) says it regards the upcoming general election as a “referendum on the failed government leadership” and urged Bahamians to ensure they are registered to vote by April 10.
Prime Minister Perry Christie said over the weekend that the Parliament would be dissolved on April 11 and also urged “all my fellow Bahamians to play their part in our democracy by registering to vote if they have not already done so, and to do so without further delay”.
No date has yet been announced for the polls but Prime Minister Christie did indicate that he would “cause the writs of elections to be issued the same day” the Parliament is dissolved.
In a statement, FNM leader, Dr. Hubert Minnis said the announcement of the election date “signals an opportunity for a referendum on the failed government leadership that has been the unfortunate experience of all Bahamians over the last five years.
“It gives rise to a new time for Bahamians, an era in which we can build upon the vision for a hopeful and prosperous future that all deserve.”
“Bahamians will no longer have to suffer under a government that ignores the demand for transparency and accountability. With your vote, a corrupt government that cares more about lining their own pockets than supporting Bahamians can come to an end,” Minnis said.
The FNL leader said he was urging all Bahamians that have not yet registered to vote to do so by Monday, April 10th.
“This is the people’s time and your vote for the FNM will bring about aggressive, positive reforms that will create a brighter future for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.”
Meanwhile, the smaller opposition Democratic National Alliance (DNA) is promising to implement a fixed date for elections; noting “the lack of which has added to confusion in the aftermath of the prime minister’s announcement”.
The party is also urging Bahamians to ensure they are registered, adding “the moment to firmly grasp the reigns of our country and change its fortunes is nearly upon us.
“The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) urges eligible Bahamians to register to vote in order to participate in our democracy and bring a much needed change to governance in The Bahamas,” the party said, telling Bahamians a vote for either the FNM or the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) “is a vote for disaster, a vote for the continued mismanagement of our nation and her precious resources.
“A vote for the PLP or the FNM is vote for a recipe of failure both legacy parties have perfected over the decades,” the party said adding that it has a ”strategy to curb crime, to bring offenders to justice, and restore law and order in our communities”.
The last general election was held here on May 8, 2012 with the PLP) winning 30 of the 38 seats in Parliament.