National

Inside The Golden Isles By-Election Aftermath

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Progressive Liberal Party may have secured a win in the Golden Isles by-election, but political analysts say the numbers beneath that victory point to growing voter fatigue, rising frustration and warning signs for both major political parties as the country moves toward the 2026 general election.

Published

4 weeks ago

November 29, 2025

Kendeno Knowles

Former DNA leader and current FNM candidate Arinthia Komolafe called the PLP’s win “an illusion,” noting that only about 24 percent of all registered voters cast ballots for the governing party. In a three-page essay, Komolafe argued that more people voted against the PLP than for it, and that the by-election gives little real insight into what may happen in 2026.

Her comments were echoed by former PLP chairman and former attorney general Sean McWeeney KC, who described the result as “a knock in the head” for the party. McWeeney wrote that the PLP has significant work ahead, calling the win underwhelming. He pointed to low voter turnout and a narrow margin of victory as reasons for concern, highlighting that the FNM won eight of the fourteen polling divisions. He suggested that the opposition may be more competitive than expected heading into the next general election.

Komolafe and McWeeney also agreed that the Coalition of Independents played a role in shaping the outcome by peeling away protest votes. That sparked broader debate online after University of The Bahamas professor and cultural critic Dr. Ian Strachan posted that votes for the COI ultimately benefit the PLP by weakening the FNM. He wrote that “a vote for the COI is a vote for the PLP,” which triggered strong responses from Bahamians who expressed frustration, distrust of both major parties and the belief that the by-election did not matter with the general election so close.

Candidates React to the Results

PLP candidate Darron Pickstock was declared the winner with just over 1,800 votes, finishing roughly 300 votes ahead of the FNM’s Brian Brown. Pickstock said he is humbled by the opportunity to serve and acknowledged that the tight margin means more work is ahead. He said he is already preparing for 2026 and believes the PLP can win again if it provides strong representation.

FNM candidate Brian Brown said he is not discouraged by the loss and that his campaign operations will continue as usual. COI candidate Brian Rolle, who received 348 votes, said the low turnout shows that voters are more focused on the upcoming general election. He suggested some residents saw the by-election as a distraction and are holding their support for a larger political moment.

Two days after the by-election, life in Golden Isles appears to have returned to normal. Some residents praised quick action to fix road issues, while others said security remains their biggest concern and they would like to see CCTV cameras installed for safety. Some admitted they did not vote at all because they felt the general election is too close to make a by-election meaningful.

Turnout and Voter Apathy Signal Challenges Ahead

With voter turnout below 50 percent and analysts warning that the numbers reflect frustration rather than momentum, both the PLP and FNM enter the road to 2026 facing an electorate that appears more divided and disillusioned than ever. Protest votes, low engagement and shifting loyalties may play a significant role in shaping the next national race.

Prime Minister Philip Davis defended the PLP’s win, stating simply, “We won.” When asked how his administration plans to address voter apathy, the prime minister said democracy gives people the option not to vote, but he intends to inspire PLP supporters to show up in 2026.

As the country moves closer to a general election, the Golden Isles by-election serves as an early signal that political certainty is fading, voter dissatisfaction is rising and both major parties face an uphill climb to reenergize the Bahamian electorate.