Major Upset as PLP Regains Political Power
By Anita Rolle

Official results stand at PLP - 29 seats; FNM - seven seats; Independent - four seats May 2nd brought about major changes throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas as the Progressive Liberal Party reclaimed the Government of the Bahamas. As polling divisions began submitting their tallies, notably much earlier than expected, it could clearly be seen that by the end of the evening major changes would come about. Paramount political giants were quickly annihilated, political newcomers sprang to the forefront, as what is now being termed a "landslide victory" occurred before our very eyes.

It was almost inconceivable that by the end of the evening, the entire sitting cabinet with one exception would have been defeated. Free National Movement party leader and deputy leader, Tommy Turnquest and Dion Foulkes, seemed no match for their opponents Keod Smith and Leslie Miller; incumbent Members of Parliament such as Janet Bostwick, Algernon Allen, Frank Watson and Theresa Moxey-Ingraham were unable to hold on to their seats as they were overthrown, some by gargantuan numbers. In Kennedy long serving Member of Parliament Bernard J. Nottage, (former member of the PLP) who defected to the Coalition for Democratic Reform party about two years ago, was defeated by newcomer Kenyatta Gibson of the Progressive Liberal Party.

Moments following the electoral process, former Prime Minister of the Bahamas Hubert Ingraham declared that he had no interest in leading the Free National Movement for another term. This left scores of Bahamians wondering . . . WHO? The choice of six others was soon laid to rest as it was announced on May 6th that Mr. Alvin Smith, Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, would lead the party in the House of Assembly while Tommy Turnquest will stay on as the official party leader.

Many are now using the coined phrase, "The electorate has spoken." The campaigning is now done and the choices have been made. A pleasing act of democracy has been demonstrated by Bahamians as we now move forward to a new nascence. Who else in the Caribbean can boast of such a well organized, successful process? Free of violence and crime.

A government of fresh new faces, unprecedented ideas is now with an opportunity to prove themselves worthy of being chosen by the people of the Bahamas. We must, however, take note that never in the history of the Bahamas has there been a government comprising four independent Members of Parliament. This leads one to wonder: Were the people of the Bahamas on May 2nd looking to a) vote out the Free National Movement; b) elect the Progressive Liberal Party; or c) were Bahamians simply looking for change, whether that available change were PLP, CDR, FNM or Independent?