FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2012

DNA Pledges Electoral Reform in the First Year

In a March 7th, 2012 Nassau Guardian article, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said he has chosen a date for the next election, which will be made public, “not much longer from now.” Ingraham further said, “I always knew when Election Day was going to come. It’s not a question of making up my mind. You’ll know soon.”

This will be the 10th general election since Majority Rule in 1967 and the fact that successive governments have not seen fit to implement a fixed election date is one of the greatest tragedies that currently exists in our democracy today.

The Bahamas has had three prime ministers, who all achieved law degrees, but to date neither the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) nor the Free National Movement (FNM) has had the will to truly deepen our democracy by causing a fixed election date to become law.

Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader, Branville McCartney says, “The current leadership of the PLP and the FNM have proven time and time again that they do not have the will to make the fundamental changes that will cause democracy to flourish in The Bahamas.”

No government past or present has made a concerted effort to sanction state governed debates, permanent constituencies, campaign finance disclosure, a fixed term for the prime minister and a fixed election date.

Mr. McCartney made a call for a national debate via a letter on January 17th to leaders of the PLP and the FNM. When asked by a Guardian reporter in a January 24th article if the FNM received the letter, FNM Chairman Carl Bethel said it was received and noted. He said: “The policy of the FNM is that we do not engage in debates. We do not engage in debates with aspirants.” Ingraham responded a short time later and said in his abrupt tone that he debates in the House of Assembly every day.

Mr. McCartney explains, “This type of governance inclusive of arrogance and a lack of appreciation for the democratic process is an ongoing assault on our democracy and this assault continues to be perpetuated by Perry Christie and Hubert Ingraham.”

He says, “An elected DNA government will ensure that the electorate has all the information at their disposal to make informed decisions.”

If elected as the next government of the Bahamas, the DNA will introduce election reform within the first year of governance. See below:

(1) Definitive Election Day Every Five Years
Bahamians should have a right to participate in the electoral process and to prepare for an election without being held hostage by one man’s absolute power to determine.

(2) Permanent Voting Constituencies
Bahamians have a right to convene local government and to develop relationships with their representatives without being politically displaced to support one party’s interest.

(3) State Governed Debate
Bahamians should have a right to question aspiring political leaders on the merit of their policies and record of service to their country.

(4) Campaign Finance Disclosure
Bahamians have a right to know the source of funds of all campaign funds especially those from special interest groups. These groups historically have influenced the governance of the Bahamas.

(5) Prime Minister Term Limit

Bahamians have a right to be protected from the uncompromising authority of absolute power. History has proven that our leaders will not relinquish power willingly and we believe that this has stifled our progress.

The DNA categorically asserts that our democracy has been stifled by a lack of vision from our current and former prime ministers to ensure that voter’s rights are improved. The time has come for all Bahamian voters to be fully engaged in the electoral process.