National

PLP Chairman: “14 Names Are Likely To Be Advanced”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Progressive Liberal Party is expected to announce 14 additional candidates on Thursday that will be running for 2026 General Election.

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Delvardo Emmanuel

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) says its nomination drive is gaining momentum, as more aspirants seek the party’s green light to contest seats in the next general election.

On Tuesday evening several new and familiar faces appeared before the party’s candidate selection committee as the process moves closer to final approval.

PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell confirming the committee is expected to advance about 14 names for consideration.

Fred Mitchell – Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party

“ I believe that it’s safe to say 14 names are likely to be advanced when the National General Council meets on Thursday evening. And unless there’s some pushback, I expect those to get through, and then there’ll be a formal announcement of everybody to the country.”

The group of potential candidates included former Senator Robyn Lynes, veteran broadcaster Chris Saunders, businessman Keno Wong, and Latorna McPhee – all seeking the nomination for St. Anne’s.

Then, Bimini resident Tasha Bullard-Hamilton hopes to contest the new Bimini and Berry Islands seat.

House Speaker and Bamboo Town MP Patricia Deveaux, Marathon MP Lisa Rahaming, and Yamacraw MP Zane Lightbourne also appeared before the committee last night.

Also appearing is Ormanique Bowe, who is seeking the PLP nomination for Free Town, a seat currently held by a sitting Member of Parliament, Wayne Munroe.

Mitchell maintaining that even incumbents can face a challenge, since everyone is required to go through the process.

Fred Mitchell – Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party

“There’s certain rules that you have to follow in terms of how you conduct yourself, and that’s been something that we’ve tried to lay down. So even though someone is an incumbent and presumptive, you know, someone has a right to say I’d like to try.”

Meanwhile, Mitchell also pushed back against criticism from the opposition after Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Dr. Duane Sands called for the resignation of ZNS General Manager Clint Watson, who is seeking the PLP nomination in Southern Shores.

Fred Mitchell – Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party

“ I think it was Jesus who said, you know, physician healed thyself. I mean, he’s the chairman of the FNM and he, you know, is condemned by the courts for his interference in the Frank Smith case. He’s dismissed for violating the COVID rules, and now all of a sudden he’s the moral arbiter on what’s right and conflict of interest.”

“So I dismiss anything he says, you know, this is just politricks at work.”

When asked about Ambassador-at-Large Rick Fox, who has been the subject of political speculation, Mitchell declined to give the issue any energy, saying Fox has not applied to be a PLP candidate.

It’s expected that a major announcement will be made by the party Thursday evening about its selected candidates.