PM: Many People Have Called Me Daddy Because Of Who I Am

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It appears Returning Officer Neil Campbell will remain in place for the upcoming by-election, despite strong calls from the Free National Movement for his removal. Prime Minister Philip Davis broke his silence today on the controversy surrounding Monday’s advanced poll, defending Campbell and dismissing claims of bias.

Amid pressure from the Opposition, Prime Minister Davis says he sees no need to remove Campbell from his post. The FNM issued a formal letter outlining what they believe are clear conflicts of interest, with Party Chairman Dr. Duane Sands arguing that Campbell’s close personal relationship with the Prime Minister compromises transparency.

Campbell himself recently likened his relationship with Davis to that of a “father and son,” and the FNM also claims he served as the Prime Minister’s campaign general during the last general election.

But Davis pushed back on the suggestion that personal familiarity equals political influence.

“I know you. This is a small country. I know many people in this country. Many people call me daddy, and that’s because of who I am as a person. It has nothing to do with them being influenced to do anything for me.”

Davis also noted that Campbell’s relationships extend across political lines, not just within the PLP.

The controversy stems from the uproar at the close of Monday’s advanced poll in Golden Isles, when FNM and COI members accused the government of deviating from the agreed plan to safely remove ballots from the polling station.

Still, the Prime Minister says he is confident Campbell will perform his duties properly.

“They have a job to do, and I’m satisfied the job will be done in accordance with the law.”

Davis spoke during an energy summit and agreement signing with the Inter-American Development Bank. He emphasized that several safeguards ensure election transparency.

“Guardrails are in place to ensure the transparency and integrity of the election process. All of us have our election agents… and if anything happens during the course of that, they can record it and challenge it in court once it’s complete.”

The Prime Minister concluded by saying he has seen nothing to justify Campbell’s removal.

“There has been no particulars provided to suggest to me that he needs to be removed.”