BP, yesterday I read the comments made by Mr Ingraham and Mr Christie about their intentions to win the Bamboo Town constituency. On the surface, it would seem that that would be a tall order for either main party considering Branville’s popularity within his own constituency, but Bahamian elections can sometime act like a wave, where the mood of the electorate is feed up with one group and it votes for another en mass.
Under these circumstances, even the most popular of incumbents can get caught up in the mood swing of the electorate and loose their attempt at reelection. So even the popularity or, sad to say, the effectiveness of an incumbent does not always guarantee reelection when the mood of the people switches. In recent history, Tommy Turnquest, Dion Folkes, Zhivargo Laing and Carl Bethel are all popular, well know quantities who had gotten caught up in this wave type phenomenon and lost their seat in 2002.
So when Mr Ingraham and Christie say they think they will win the Bamboo Town constituency, it can not be ignored as the signs are pointing to another wave type phenomenon among the electorate; and if so, Branville, as an independent, has to figure out what mood the people of Bamboo Town are in and make decisions accordingly.
We have heard the speculation that Branville will form his own party. I don’t think he is going to do that because he doesn’t have the time, man power or financial resources to vet candidates, put together a platform or put the necessary campaign machinery in place with looming elections.
Secondly, who would his new party’s base be? We know it wont be FNM’s in any great number and Branville will be naive to think that his new party will peal many PLP’s away as the PLP base is unified, energized and sees the very high possibility of its own party retaining the government. So that only leaves independents and as I have said previously on your blog, many are overstating the size of this voting block and overestimating the independent streak in Bahamian politics. If Branville has bought into this false perception about the Bahamian independent voter, then its a mistake on his part as this block isn’t large enough to be a foundation for any party at this time in Bahamian politics.
Seems like every election there is some new 3rd party that is all the rage and on cue every election night, their hopes are slaughtered. The independent voters are not sizable enough to have an impact on Bahamian elections so i hope Branville dismisses and do not by into the notion that 70-80% of the Bahamian electorate is PLP and FNM and the other 20-30% are independent voters. I dare anyone point to me some numerical data to support this perception that is touted as truth.
If 20-30% of the Bahamian electorate are truly independent voters, then base on the 2007 number of registered voters only, your talking about a 30-45,000 independent voting block. Impressive to say the lease, but in that election, out of 137,667 votes cast, only 4,395 votes (3%) was cast for 3rd party and independent candidates. And if you take out the “independent” votes Tennyson Wells and Whitney Bastian got (2,132), as they are not true independents, your left with a meager 2,263 (1%) votes cast for independents in 2007.
In 2002 there were 9,501 votes cast for independent candidates out of 130,536 total votes cast. Independent votes accounted for 7% of the votes cast. But when you look inside those numbers you see that in that election cycle, of the 14 independent candidates, 3 of them were from the FNM (Larry Cartwright, Pierre Depuch, Tennyson Wells) and one from the PLP (Whitney Bastian). Combined they received 5,571 of the 9,501 (59%) “independent” votes cast.
Simply put the independent voting block is almost non existent. If 30,000 independent voters are out there, I and all the other 3rd parties would like to know where they are. The idea that this large group exists, and will be key in bringing victory is based on pure conjecture with no evidence to support that claim.
The CDR, Workers Party, BDM, BFA died an embarrassing death on election night as reality set in. And now the new girl in town, the NDP, is drunk on the idea that independent voters are going to flock to them in droves? We have seen this play out to many times and I hope Branville doesnt make the same mistake and buy into the same nonsense.
I think Branville’s best option is to remain an independent for now because his number one goal above all else is to retain his seat. He cant concentrate on Bamboo Town if he has to devote his attention to forming a party. And now with the ire of Mr Ingraham added to the mix, there is no doubt in my mind that Mr Ingraham is going to do a number on the boundaries for Bamboo Town. So Branville needs to have all his attention in one spot as losing his seat is not an option.
So if he is going to run as an independent, Branville has 3 options:
option 1: Run as a stand alone independent
option 2: Run as an independent with an agreement with one of the third parties
option 3: Run as an independent with an agreement with the PLP.
The answer is pretty straight forward and something some may not want to hear. But first, look at the numbers from Branville’s 2007 election victory:
Bamboo Town: 4,088 registered voters.
3,614 votes were cast (88% turnout)
Vote break down: Branville McCartney (FNM), 1,957 votes, 54.1%
Tennyson Wells (Independent), 1,554 votes, 42.9%
Omar Smith (BDM) 86 votes, 2.8%
Prince Albert Strachan (IND), 19 votes, .5%
When you look at those numbers from the 2007 elections, the first time candidate’s margin of victory (403 votes) was just enough to ward of election court, lol. The PLP didnt contest the seat as they silently supported Tennyson. Fast forward 4 years later and Branville support probably has grown but if the PLP and FNM contest the seat as their leaders claim, then the race for votes is on.
If Branville runs as a stand alone independent, the key for him would be his ability to form a coalition of voters comprised of PLP’s, FNM,s and first time voters. In my opinion, this is a difficult road to travel because the chances of him peeling off enough FNM and PLP votes to get a victory is difficult considering the political climate and actions he took. But Whitney Bastian did it in 2002 and won in a three way race by 104 votes and what is often forgotten is the fact that the FNM candidate almost pulled the upset as the votes were split 3 ways. This is what the PLP hopes happens in Bamboo Town for their candidate, albeit, with a win.
If Branville ran as an independent with support from one of the third parties, this too is a long shot because he will face similar issues to that of running as a stand alone candidate. The only thing he would get out of going this route would be the message he is sending about both major parties. I dont think he takes this route.
If Branville ran as an independent with silent or public support from the PLP, expressed by the PLP not running a candidate, then his chances of winning goes up dramatically because his chances are better if one of the two major parties DO NOT RUN A CANDIDATE! This is how Tennyson, Pierre and to an extent Larry Cartwright won in 2002. The PLP didnt run candidates in those constituencies and their opponants were weak candidates. In that same year, the PLP and FNM ran a candidate against Whitney Bastian and Whitney won as stated eralier by 104 votes! When the next election cycle came around, both Tennyson and Whitney lost as they were opposed by better candidates.
So Branville’s best option for retaining his seat as an independent is to seek an arraignment with the PLP. He may not want to do it, but if he runs as a stand alone candidate, and Mr Ingraham and Christie puts formidable candidates against him, his chances of retaining his seat decreases.
If Branville losses his seat, that would be a major, major setback for him. He cant let that happen, so he should hold his nose and persuade the PLP to not run a candidate against him. I just hope he doesnt by into his own press, thinking that he is so popular that he cant loose.
Altec
If a strong 3rd party is indeed formed, I’m going to vote for them. I’ve been sick of the PLP and FNM for years now, and didn’t even bother to vote in the last election.
@ Pratty
YOU JUST CAN’T STAY AWAY. NO MATTER HOW OFTEN YOU SWEAR NEVER TO RETURN TO THIS SITE YOU ALWAYS FIND YOURSELF RIGHT BACK HERE PROMOTING FNM PROPOGANDA AND THE LIKES.
YOU ARE NEITHER AMAZING NOR AMUSING, YOU’RE JUST SOMETHING ELSE. WELCOME BACK, AGAIN PRATTY!
NOW WITH THAT SAID, WHY WOULD BRANVILLE STICK AROUND TO GIVE HUBERT INGRAHAM THE STRATEGIC PLEASURE OF USING THE OFFICE OF PARTY LEADER TO DIMINISH THE IMPACT OF HIS RESIGNATION BY CREATING A SCENARIO IN WHICH INGRAHAM APPEARS TO HAVE FORCED THE MATTER INTO PLAY RATHER THAN BRANVILLE TAKING IT AS A MATTER OF CONSCIENCE.
DID ANYONE IN THE PARTY APOLOGIZE FOR THE BAMBOO TOWN CONSTITUENCY “MISHAP” COURTESY OF THE FNM LEADERSHIP AND A CERTAIN MRS. JOHNSON-COLLIE? NO! YOU DON’T ACCOMPLISH AS MUCH AS BRANVILLE HAS IN LIFE (GENERALLY) WITHOUT BEING SMART ENOUGH TO ANTICIPATE THE OTHER GUYS NEXT MOVE OR THE NEXT LIKELY EVENT.
@STORM
YOU ARE ON POINT, AS USUAL! I AM ALWAYS PLEASED WHEN YOU TAKE THE TIME TO EDUCATE US ON THE ISSUES. HOPEFULLY, THE PARTIES CONCERNED WILL PROCEED RESPECTFULLY TO AN AMICABLE SOLUTION, REALIZING THAT THE BAHAMIAN PEOPLE NEED IMMEDIATE RELIEF FROM OPPRESSION AND NEGLECT.
ANY OVERT DEMONSTRATIONS WHICH DO NOT FOCUS ON THE NEEDS OF OUR PEOPLE AS THE PRIMARY ISSUE OF CONCERN WILL RESULT IN TOTAL EXPOSURE OF THE SELF-ABSORBED, SELF-DELUDED SOCIOPATHIC POLITICIANS, WHO OFTEN MISS THE POINT!
You forgot Bran’s fourth option. Take neither of the stated three options?
@ Altec
The answers to your questions was contained in the FACT that you presented opinions, proceeded to asserted those opinions as facts, then challenged ME to dispute your opinions (which you insisted were facts). Having the audacity to proclaim something as FACTS doesn’t make it so, Altec. Being adamant that it is FACT while ignoring all other views to the contrary doesn’t elevate opinions to the status of fact, Altec.
This is the same strategy employed in your (allegedly your article) recent article. You INTERPRETED INFORMATION from the data presented as elections outcome in a certain way. The information was never OFFICIALLY “filtered” to determine how many voters are base supporters of parties, how many are disaffected voters who supported other parties THIS TIME, or how many are ordinarily swing voters (independent-minded), Altec decided that based on an outcome preconceived, then written towards as a goal through his article. Anyone can do that! It is call writing to the results. First, you decide what you want the results to be, then “taking backwards steps” you formulate thoughts until you have “stringed your article” together. Put an introduction in the article then start writing your conclusions until BANG – DONE! THERE IS NO WAY THAT ALTEC CAN EXTRAPOLATE HIS “FACTS” FROM THE ELECTION DATA WITHOUT MAKING PERSONAL GRAND ASSUMPTIONS ALONG THE WAY. WHY? WELL, BECAUSE THE INFORMATION IS RAW, BUNDLED DATA… PERIOD.
If you missed the point in my previous response then here it is repeated in this post: – “…. you do not possess the skill set to dislodge STORM.”
I looked at data and presented a view. Meanwhile, you are not disputing the data, just my interpretation of it. That’s your right, but whats strange is you have never presented any data to backup your own view.
You just repeat the same thing over and over. Never giving any evidence to support your claim. But the minute i do, you assert that i am presenting my opinion as fact?
I take issue with this because your responses and general premise are given with no evidence at all. You just make blanket statements. So what does that make you? At least i put my figures out there for all to see, you wont and dont!
I have repeatedly ask you to show me evidence of your claims and you refuse to. All you do his harp on my interpretation, but you never present any facts to back up the statements you make.
Well, i am asking you for the umpteenth time, where is the evidence to back up the assertions you are making about independents?
If my definitaion is wrong, then rebutt it with data. You cant just tell me its wrong and leave it right there. You must present evidence to back that up.
If 20-30% of the electorate, 30-45,000 voters, are independents and are of the type of which you speak, then you must explain their lack of support for independent candidtates over the last 35YRS.
You must explain why is it they complain about the PLP and FNM and then turn around and continuously vote for one of the two and never supporting an independent candidate.
You claim there are large numbers of independents out there, PROVE IT. That’s all i am asking. Show me the evidence of it.
If you cant, then just acknowledge that when you speak on this matter, your speaking from a purely subjective view, which is perfectly fine, its just a personal opinion.
All you do is attack me and deflect from the main issue when you are approached with the short comings of your own view.
You give me facts, and i will gladly rethink my view!
The best article ever on this site!!! Great responses also!!! Now this is the level that Bahamains should be when it comes to discussing relevant issues!!!
Not more minutes for your phone. WHAT KIND A JACKASS point was that?
BP
@ Author (alleged to be Altec)
Do you think that STORM, BAHAMIAN MINDED & bahamianrealist collaberated on our responses and agreed to include the common point that you are underestimating the number of independent-minded voters, or is more likely than you are incorrect?
I urge you to revisit this matter because it skews your arguments away from reality on the ground in 2011 – 2012. “Extenuating Circumstances” best describes the political atmosphere on the ground in Bamboo Town and I predict that VOTERS THERE will send a message to both major parties BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY DO NOT REPRESENT IN 2012. I go further and predict that Branville McCartney will prevail in Bamboo Town for the following reasons:
(1) He identifies himself as an FNM after the order of the late Cecil Wallace-Whitfield (having the same values and behavioral patterns in matters such as the BTC sale and resignation from cabinet due to “hinderances” being placed in his path).
(2) He persuades the constituents that they are unlikely to obtain better representation from a replacement MP as offered by either major party (the BTC matter and his consultation is that matter is case in point). What could either PLP or FNM candidate say on THAT score? Branville has developed quite a reputation and it will be a tall order to replace him on the ground in the day-to-day activities of that constituency.
You can duck and dodge all you want, I am still waiting for you to answer my questions!
You cant answer my questions because you know that you cant defend your position. So you just run on more with pseudo intellectual garbage.
How can a voter bitch and moan about how much they are tired of the PLP and FNM, and then when they have an opportunity to show their displeasure at the polls, they vote for the very same parties they have issues with?
In the history of Bahamian elections, these so called independent voters have had many, many, many opportunities to vote for an independent candidate, AND THEY DIDNT! So who do you blame for that?
If you still want to classify these folks as independent, then thats your business. But your living in la la land if you think that this group is going to mysteriously deliver enough votes to put anyone in parliament.
Your running away from the numbers and clinging on to some imaginary view that you cant even find evidence for.
Fact is, less than 3% of votes were actually cast for independent candidates over the last 2 election cycles. That is fact. That is not even 3,000 votes.
Your not even debating me on the merits, so why are you arguing?
This story is very well thought out and the research and analysis done is impressive. One of the best stories I have ever read on BP!
I do however, take exception to the conclusion that the PLP and FNM has more than 80% base meaning the independent vote is less than the 20% that many have touted. What has to be noted is that the 20% is not so much an independent vote but it also includes “swing voters”. These are the people who are not staunch PLP’s or FNM’s, they will go with whatever party they wish based on any number of factors which may include the comparison of party manifestos or just their feeling about who would win. Many of these persons would be young first time voters and do not really know who they wish to vote for or why one party vs another. In past elections, these “swing-voters” typically choose either the FNM or PLP and not the independent candidates or third parties. The reason the PLP and FNM gets more than 80% of the votes between them is because some “swing voters” who voted FNM last election switch to PLP this election and vice versa. The swing voters are invisible in the election results but they are there and it is those voters that are up for grabs if a serious third party is formed. That is what Branville will be seeking to capture should he form a party.
Let’s remember one thing, the Bahamian voter likes to cast his or her vote for the winning team and does not like losers. To get them to vote for a third party will require convincing them that such third party has the chance to win and looks like it will win (ie. convention, headquarters, rallies drawing significant crowds, advertising, t-shirts and paraphernalia etc.).
@Bahamianrealist, I have raised this point you have mention on anther post with a poster named Storm.
I told him that there are two groups of voters that probably have a larger impact on Bahamian elections, the youth vote (first time voters) and the vote from dissatisfied FNMs/PLPs (depending on which party is in power).
That is the two blocks that probably have more sway in Bahamian elections than the independent voters. Consequently, i dont think Branville’s new party can peel away many of these voters from the big two.
The fact is, at this stage in this country’s development, the independent voting block is still taking shape. The Bahamas isnt Europe or Canada, countries that have 3-5 viable parties, we are still at an early stage in our democracy and politics where we are still very, very immature!
And moving forward I hope our system doesnt mimic that of the US, as their system has been built around their two parties. Politically speaking, third parties in the US have a very hard time getting to the table.
A CONVERSATION MUST BE HAD SO THAT AN AGREEMENT IS ARRIVED AT ABOUT WHO AN “INDEPENDENT” VOTER IS. THE DEFINITION OF “INDEPENDENT” VOTER IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT ACCURATE. THE VOTER DESCRIBED IS A THIRD PARTY “SUPPORTER” AND THE REASONABLE QUESTION ABOUT THE ABSENCE OF THE NUMBERS OF INDEPENDENT VOTERS BECOMES VALID, BASED ON THIS “CONVENIENT” DEFINITION OF COURSE.
INDEPENDENT VOTERS HAVE NO PARTY AFFILIATION AND THEREFORE ARE NOT DISAFFFECTION THIS OR THAT PARTY SUPPORTERS. THERE IS A GROUP OF DISAFFECTED PARTY SUPPORTERS IN BOTH MAJOR PARTIES DURING EVERY ELECTION CYCLE. SOME BECOME “DISAFFECTION” VOTERS BECAUSE SOME POTENTIAL CANDIDATE (PREFERRED BY THEM) WAS NOT NOMINATED FINALLY OR SOME “ISSUE” SO DISTURBS THEM THAT THEY TEMPORARILY REFRAIN IN THEIR SUPPORT FOR THEIR PARTY. SOME GO AS FAR AS VOTING FOR ANOTHER PARTY TO DISPLAY THEIR ANGER, BUT USUALLY WHENEVER THEIR “FOG” CLEARS THEY REJOIN “THEIR” PARTY. THIS IS NOT AN INDEPENDENT VOTER.
INDEPENDENT VOTERS ARE WILLING TO SUPPORTER ANY PARTY THAT PRESENTS PROPOSALS WHICH THEY (IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY) FIND MORE BENEFICIAL THAN COMPETING OFFERS. ALSO, INDEPENDENT VOTERS ARE WILLING TO SUPPORT ANY CANDIDATE WHO THEY DETERMINE IS BETTER. WHETHER THE CANDIDATE OR PARTY PROPOSAL ELEMENT WINS THE CONSIDERATION OF ANY INDIVIDUAL INDEPENDENT VOTER IS ENTIRELY UP TO THEM …THAT IS WHAT INDEPENDENCE IN THINKING IS ALL ABOUT.
COINCIDENCE WOULD HAVE IT THAT EITHER MAJOR PARTY RECEIVES MORE OF THE “SPREAD” OF THE SUPPORT FROM INDEPENDENT VOTERS, BUT THE UNDER-INFORMED OPINION SIMPLY COUNTS THE PARTY TOTAL WITHOUT REGARD FOR THE FACT THAT A SIZEABLE PORTION OF THAT NUMBER IS “FLOATING VOTERS”. THEREIN LIES THE FAULT IN LOOKING AT THIRD PARTIES TOTAL TO DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF INDEPENDENT VOTERS. THE FAULTY LOGIC WHICH SAYS THAT THIRD PARTIES SUPPORT REPRESENT THE EXTENT OF INDEPENDENT VOTERS IN THIS COUNTRY IS OUTRAGEOUSLY MYOPIC. WHY WOULD PEOPLE (INDEPENDENTS) WHO CLOSELY EXAMINES PLANS AND PERSONNEL SUPPORT WHAT HAS BEEN OFFERED AS THIRD PARTY OPTIONS HISTORICALLY. FRANKLY, IN MOST CASES THEY DID NOT FIELD SUFFICIENT “STRONG” CANDIDATES OR DEMONSTRATE SOUNDNESS IN THEIR PARTY STRUCTURE OR MESSAGE. THE ARTICLE ATTRIBUTES CERTAIN “EMOTIONAL” WEAKNESSES, WHICH EASILY DISTINGUISHES BETWEEN DISAFFECTED PARTY VOTER AND INDEPENDENT VOTER AND MISLABELLED THE DISAFFECTED PARTY VOTERS AS INDEPENDENT VOTERS. I COULD GO ON WITH ADDITIONAL OBJECTIONS BASED ON THIS ARTICLE BUT THE POINT IS MADE.
I give you numbers and facts and you come back with subjective, fact-less, subjective claims? Give me a break.
But I will oblige you. Lets say my definition of an independent voter is wrong; thus based on YOUR DEFINITION of an independant voter, tell me:
1. Where is your polling data that backs up your claim of their existence? Please dont tell me they wont show up in the polling data, dont even go there. 30-45,000 independent votes would show up!
2. Why dont they show up at the polls and support independent candidates?
3. Why havent they should up and voted in any large numbers in ANY Bahamian election ever held?
The premise of my argument is that there isnt a large pool of independent voters of any stripe in the country. There is polling data from every election since independence that bears this out.
I think you are the one thats arguing from the position of emotion as every bit of election data suggest that you are wrong.
You cant tell me they exsist but at the same time you cant find evidence to prove it. Come on man!
The existence of the bahamian independent voter is just like that of the existence of big foot and santa claus, just a myth.
So until you can give me hard numbers to support your claim, i will stick with mine. So please dont respond to me unless you have facts and numbers to back up what you say.
I am tied of your subjective responses that you try to give of as fact. Give me concrete evidence and numbers. If you cant, then dont bother to respond.
I’m not trying to argue with you or discredit your statement, but why do I need polling data for common sense? I said That I AGREE with most of what your saying. But being independent does mean that you vote for an independent candidate. so the numbers you present for the independent candidates vote are maybe correct, but that does mean that that’s the amount of indepndents out there.
@BahamianMinded, hey i am not taking your comments in any negative way at all, lol.
I agree with you that the numbers of voters who voted for independent candidates may not reflect the numbers out there. But it does say a lot about them and to an extent, independent candidates.
If the independent voter makes up 20-30% of the voting electorate, as you always hear being proclaimed, then at some point in the last 35yrs, a greater portion of those 30-45,000 independent voters couldn’t make a good showing at the polls for independent candidates?
Something isnt adding up. Either they dont vote to often, dont like the independent candidates running, only think in terms of PLP and FNM at the polls, or maybe they dont make up 20-30% of the electorate.
I just dont think that voting block is that big. Consistently around 2% of the voters vote for independent candidates. Even if you double or tripple that percentage, its still not enough nationally, to impact an election unless all those votes are in one area.
Its the first time voter and the dissatisfied PLP or FNM voter (depending on the party in power) that has more sway.
Aaaah Altec, I see right through you!
The voter to whom STORM refers is a new manifestation in Bahamiana, born out of a search to understand the delayed delivery of political promises these past 44yrs.
This new breed of voter has been recently educated to the reality of numerous psychological impediments in serving and potential political candidates, such as Sociopathy, Megalomania, Manic Depression and Hubris Syndrome and is therefore, naive no more!
While you do not seem to think that knowledgeable Bahamians exist in sufficient numbers to destabilize your erroneous premise, let me assure you that there are sufficient of us to cause a repeat of the 1967 impasse, necessitating the formation a coalition government, benefiting either an FNM or PLP majority; entirely dependent upon the preference of the winning Independent Candidate!
Sadly, history repeats itself when its instructive lessons are hidden from the people who need its factual conclusions, in order to make informed choices.
As you were!
@Lady Russell,
This new breed of voter you speak of wont just magically appear out of thin air and even if they do, i doubt they are large enough to help Branville’s party, should he start one.
And secondly, you can not find anywhere in my article where i said or even suggested that knowledgeable voting Bahamians dont exist. So i dont know how you came to that conclusion!
Like Storm, both of you seemed to have formed an opinion without fully understanding the point of my article. So I will state its main premise again: If Branville McCartney was to start his own party who would be his base? It wont be significant amounts of FNMs or PLPs and if he depends on the independent voters, that group isnt large enough to help his party at all at this time.
So his focus should be on winning his own seat and the best chances he has of that is to hope one of the main parties dont run a candidate.
Now some of you seem to take this article as an attack on independents when its not. I think what i wrote bothers some because when you read it, reality sets in and lets the air out of your independent hopes of independent voters and candidates coming to the rescue in 2012.
And one more thing, Lady Russell, i will bet you that there will be no repeat of 1967. There will be no formulation of a coalition government. You are allow your emotions to get the best of you on that one!
I agree
Altec I agree with most of what your saying, but I’m an independent and I never voted for a so called “independent candidate”. I believe independents are people that don’t call themselves a PLP or FNM, but people who are willing to vote for any candidate that they feel are worthy of their vote. So maybe the numbers of independents are more than you think. When the base of the FMN and PLP have voted, its people like myself that put the winning party in office, because we make the difference. I’m not an expert, so I could be wrong.
@BahamianMinded, your telling me that the numbers of independents “are more than i think.” You came to that conclusion based on what?
Your falling into the same trap as Storm. Both of you are trying to imply the independent voter cant be accounted for, but yet they exist in some great number.
Since independence there has been 6 general elections. The sample size is large enough for trends to be seen. The data doesnt lie. Where are they?
If a large number of independent voters exists, i ask again, why in all the history of Bahamian elections we cant find them voting for independent candidates in any large numbers.
You telling me these voters are tired of the PLP and FNM and when its time to show their weariness with both parties, they dont vote for the independent candidate?
But the larger point i was trying to make in the article is that if Branville starts a party, who will he attract in large numbers that would constitute a solid base for his new party? Because if Branville doesnt have a solid base of some kind, to start with, his new party will loose badly as it takes decades to build a base.
When i look at the most recent election data, he cant look to the independent voter because history tells us, they dont show up in large numbers to make a difference in elections. That cant be debated. And if so, then all i ask is for you to give me some evidence to the contrary and i will gladly rethink my position.
Branville is a good man, we could used alot more M.Ps like him. He is a leader
Leaders do not run when the going get tough . Leaders stick around and make a change.I would have respected him more had he remained an FNM and voted no.
Just imagine if we did have at lease 5 independants in the House now. Just imagine how the over all tune will be be changed, imagine how the arrogant behavior would be be suppressed. Imagine how the level of respect would return!
Altec, again you have provided astute analysis that, whether one agrees or disagrees with it, one can say you carefully considered all of the issues. But I was distracted by “i” instead of “I”, “by” instead of “buy”, “lease” instead of “least” and on and on and on. If you want to take your work to the next level and be taking serious by an audience wider than just BP, you must not submit writing that has not been carefully edited for such easily avoidable errors. There are many tools available on the internet, aside from spell check, that will seek and find these distracting errors so that your thoughtful work can be both intelligent and appealing. Thanks for your work.
ok Altec i dont always agree with u but with this one 100% spot on.Congrats on the good research.
bran is a freak…vote him out now
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