Politics: The Origin Of “One Leader!”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – If you’ve been paying attention to elections over the last few years chances are you’ve heard the “One Leader!” chant.

It’s become especially popular during party conventions when leadership posts are hotly contested.

But where did it all start? 

Those are passionate supporters of Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard screaming their support as he officially nominated to run as leader at the party’s June 1st convention.

It’s become a common catchphrase for both PLP and FNM supporters who want to make it clear who they’re backing. 

But where did it all start?

In January 2017 the PLP held a hotly contested convention that saw then-party leader and Prime Minister Perry Christie and current Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears go head to head for leader of the PLP.

I was there as hundreds of delegates from across the country crowded in the Melia Hotel to cast their votes but it was this group who shouted two words that would go down in political history.

Leading the charge were these two Perry Christie supporters.

And while “one leader” has been around for the last seven years, it’s become so ingrained in political culture it doesn’t seem like it’s going away anytime soon.