By-election 2025: How Did We Get Here?

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Monday’s advanced poll is just the first step toward choosing a new member of parliament for Golden Isles.

The journey to the polls began with the sudden passing of former MP, Vaughn Miller, on September 8th.

By law, the government had to call a by-election within 60 days, but that by-election didn’t come immediately.

Opposition leader Michael Pintard was not initially in favor of a by-election, publicly expressing hesitation as the Free National Movement weighed whether contesting the seat made strategic sense with a general election scheduled for sometime next year

Meanwhile, the Progressive Liberal Party eventually moved forward with its ratification process, confirming Darron Pickstock as its candidate for Golden Isles.

In the House of Assembly on October 22nd, Minister of National Security announced a November 24th set date for the by-election, while the FNM followed with the ratification of Brian Brown on October 29th.

Additional candidates entering the race include Brian Brown, who carries the banner for the Coalition of Independents, and Karen Butler, who is the sole independent candidate.

After weeks of political maneuvering, Golden Isles voters finally get their first chance to weigh in.

It’s a contest that will be watched closely, and for many its not just who wins the seat, but also a look into the national political climate.

This will be the second by-election since the Davis administration took office in 2021.

The first took place in West Grand Bahama and Bimini in 2023 following the death of MP Obie Wilchcombe.