National

Race Takes Shape As MP’s Signal 2026 Intent

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The shape of the 2025 General Election is quickly coming into view for voters as boundaries are now set, and ratifications continue. So far, the governing Progressive Liberal Party has ratified 16 candidates, while the opposition, the Free National Movement, has ratified 28 candidates. The Coalition of Independents says it has already ratified 35 candidates for its slate.

Published

3 days ago

January 13, 2026

Kendeno Knowles

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – So far, the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has ratified 16 candidates. 

The opposition Free National Movement is ahead with 28, and the Coalition of Independents says it has already ratified 35 candidates for its slate.

All this as the country heads into the next general election with a very different electoral map.

The long-awaited boundaries report confirms two new constituencies, St. James in New Providence, and Bimini and Berry Islands, increasing the number of seats from 39 to 41.

The report was compiled by the Constituencies Commission, which ultimately rejected a full redistribution of boundaries.

Instead, recommending the creation of two new seats.

Speaking with reporters on Moore’s island Friday, Prime Minister Philip Davis confirmed that candidate selection for those new seats is already underway.

Philip Davis – Prime Minister

“We are considering a number of persons seeking to carry our banner in the next general elections, and the Candidates Committee is going through that, and they’ll be making their recommendations in short order to the national general council for ratification. When we are completed, you’ll get [the full slate of candidates].”

While Davis stresses the need for process, on the ground the impact of the new boundaries is already being felt, as some incumbents now preparing to defend standalone constituencies for the first time.

North Andros MP Leonardo Lightbourne, who represented North Andros and the Berry Islands, is one of them.

He told Our News he intends to contest the newly defined North Andros seat, though his party has not yet announced a candidate.

Leonardo Lightbourne – MP, North Andros

“North Andros is the focus. I’ve been preempting [a] kind of thought that I would be ratified shortly. However, my main focus is North Andros and the Berry Islands.”

“Still, as a Member of Parliament, I look forward to serving North Andros in the upcoming election. I will be contesting the seat.”

As some candidates adjust to new boundaries, others also signal their intentions ahead of ratification, including Marathon MP Lisa Rahming.

Lisa Rahming – MP, Marathon

“I am seeking my party’s nomination for the Marathon constituency, and of course, I have not let my party down, and I will not let them down. I have done a tremendous amount of work in Marathon, and I stand to say that I completed some 89 roofs, and we’re repairing the parks. We have two parks that have been repaired. We have a marching band, we have a senior citizens’ association.”

“Also, there’s a voluminous amount of persons who are granted jobs, both government and private. So, I have a lot of new voters, who we have engaged in entrepreneurship program. So, I’m sure they’re looking forward to seeing me to continue the work that I’ve started with them, and I’m looking forward to doing it, too….certainly in the winning column, it’s two straight.”

The PLP has also recently selected its candidates for the two Abaco constituencies, with incumbent Kirk Cornish and newcomer Bradley Fox Jr. set to carry the party’s banner.

Meanwhile, former Senator Robyn Lynes, and Senator Randy Rolle have both signalled they are open to serve, saying they are prepared to answer the call.

With ratifications continuing, and boundaries now set, the shape of the next general election is quickly coming into view.