National

COI: A New Era Of Politics

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – COI leader Lincoln Bain and candidate Brian Rolle spent the morning rallying support, describing the vote as a generational shift away from traditional party loyalty.

Published

5 months ago

November 24, 2025

Denielle Miller

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Coalition of Independents (COI), the third force in today’s by-election, made a noticeable showing at Anatol Rodgers High School as the party aims to double its representation in Parliament.

COI leader Lincoln Bain and candidate Brian Rolle spent the morning rallying support, describing the vote as a generational shift away from traditional party loyalty.

Bain said he noticed a trend among voters arriving without party colors, calling it a sign of changing political attitudes.

“A lot of the voters are wearing their own clothes, not party paraphernalia, and that may show they don’t have loyalty to any parties,” he said.

Bain framed the moment as the “dawn of a new generation” of voters who are no longer willing to accept what he described as oligarchic political behavior.

Among those voters was Golden Isles resident Raydesha Cash, casting her ballot for the second time. While she declined to reveal her choice, she agreed that younger voters are reevaluating trust and leadership.

“From what I understand, persons just don’t know who to trust when it comes to helping the community,” she said.

For decades, the Progressive Liberal Party and the Free National Movement have dominated Bahamian politics. But that dynamic shifted in April 2025 when then–Free National Movement MP for Central Grand Bahama, Iram Lewis, crossed the floor, giving the COI its first seat in Parliament.

If COI candidate Brian Rolle wins Golden Isles, the party would secure its second seat.

Bain says the goal, if successful, would be to immediately begin tabling legislation aimed at benefiting everyday Bahamians.

And even if the party falls short, Bain confirmed that Rolle will still represent the COI as its Golden Isles candidate in the 2026 General Election.

Rolle, meanwhile, says he’s committed to serving, win or lose.

“We can’t lay down and play dead. We have a country to fix, so I can’t give up,” he said.

If elected, Rolle says his first priority would be meeting with residents.

“The first thing I plan to do is speak to my constituents. Inclusion is the most important thing, I’d want them to get on board with me, and let’s fix Golden Isles.”