Chaos Erupts as Candidates Nominate for Ft. Charlotte Constituency

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – What started off as a timely and smooth nomination process at the T.G. Glover Primary School on Thursday, erupted into chaos, as the Coalition of Independents contested the nomination of PLP Fort Charlotte candidate, Sebastian Bastian.

While all candidates for the PLP, COI, and FNM were successfully nominated, the process included a standoff between the COI and returning officers stationed at the school.

COI leader, Lincoln Bain, faced off against election officials at T.G. Glover Primary School this morning, objecting to the nomination of PLP Fort Charlotte candidate Sebastian Bastian, alleging Bastian said he has $50 million in government contracts while on a Guardian Radio talk show recently.

Bain rushed from nominating in the Pinewood constituency to confront Bastian and the returning officers, having a brief exchange with Bastian in the hallways.

Inside the nomination room, he also asked Free National Movement candidate Travis Robinson to object, but Robinson chose to focus on completing his nomination.

Outside the school, Bain addressed reporters, saying if Bastian’s nomination stands, he plans not only to take the matter to Election Court, but also to ask international partners to probe the upcoming election.

We caught up with Bastian at his constituency headquarters on Farrington Road, where he appeared undeterred.

Bastian also dismissed the suggestion that he has a $50 million government contract, while thanking PLP leader Philip Davis for his confidence in him.

Sebas Bastian – Fort Charlotte Candidate, Progressive Liberal Party

“When I was leaving, I saw Lincoln Bain storming in there, making all sorts of assertions. I even heard a video where he’s claiming I have a $50 million contract with the government. Well, Lincoln Bain, if I have a $50 million contract with the government, if you could find that, then I’ll give you $5 million of it. Stop talking foolishness.”

Bastian said that despite what unfolded at the school, he is focused on his campaign and becoming the next MP for the area.

He is not the only one with that goal.

Free National Movement candidate, Travis Robinson, and COI candidate, Daphaney Johnson, both believe they will be successful.