Lack of Support for FNM Leader Hurt Party’s Election Chances

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The 2026 General Election may be over, but some — especially Free National Movement supporters — are still wondering what went wrong.

The FNM suffered a crushing defeat, only winning one more seat than it held previously.

Some critics are pointing the finger at party leader Michael Pintard, saying his message failed to connect with voters. But former House Speaker and former FNM member Halson Moultrie has a different theory.

Halson Moultrie – Former Speaker, House of Assembly

“From my examination of what is going on, and my experience in politics, the Free National Movement had major problems in that it never had the support of the former Prime Minister for the current leader of the National Movement, and that signaled to the entire grouping in the Free National Movement that supported the former Prime Minister that we are not supporting him.”

It’s a story the party has faced before — infighting and division.

In fact, Pintard now finds himself in a similar position to former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, with some party supporters calling for him to step down following the party’s heavy loss.

Back in 2021, after the PLP’s victory, Minnis was removed as party leader and replaced by Pintard.

Since then, the party has largely distanced itself from the former Prime Minister…

Former FNM Cabinet Minister Desmond Bannister, who publicly supported Minnis, is among those calling for Pintard to step down.

But Moultrie disagrees.

Halson Moultrie – Former Speaker, House of Assembly

“At this early date, when there was no such call in 2021 for the Prime Minister, when he was the deputy, there was no such call made.”

And from the start, the FNM has questioned the electoral process, despite its former leader and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham saying you can’t steal an election.

Halson Moultrie – Former Speaker, House of Assembly

“Everybody argues you can’t steal an election, you can’t steal an election, but you can certainly try. And if you couldn’t steal an election, why are there so many offenses listed in the Parliamentary Elections Act?”