Bahamas: Hubert Minnis and his FNM party win general election

Christie concedes defeat

The Bahamas voted in a new leader Wednesday, with Hubert Minnis and his Free National Movement (FNM) party, beating scandal-tainted incumbent Perry Christie and his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in general elections.

“My fellow Bahamians, the people have spoken,” Minnis, a doctor, said in a victory rally before thousands of supporters. “We have been given a mandate for change.”

Christie, conceded defeat in a statement in which he said he had made a congratulatory telephone call to Minnis to wish him success.

“I understand as perhaps few others the challenges that await Dr Minnis, and I wish him only success on behalf of our nation. He has my full support for a smooth transition,” he said.

Christie, was finishing his 2nd non-consecutive term as prime minister. Minnis campaigned on a platform of change, seeking to implement term limits on the prime minister and promote “Bahamian ownership in the economy,” according to his website.

Middle finger

Christie, 73, prompted condemnation earlier this year when he denied corruption accusations by raising his middle finger to reporters.
His administration, which had been elected in 2012, had been dealing with a high crime rates, allegations of corruption; double-digit unemployment; scandal-ridden cabinet ministers; the falling apart of the mega Baha Mar resort deal, which has yet to open and recently, the public relations nightmare following the international scandal of the Fyre Festival.

Observers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth and the Organization of American States (OAS) were invited to monitor the election.

Minnis will be sworn in on Thursday May 11, 2017 as the country’s next prime minister.

Source: AFP