During a rally in the Berry Islands last night, Free National Movement (FNM) Michael Pintard urged undecided voters to vote and vote for the FNM.
He said a vote for a third party is a vote for the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
“There are only two parties that have enough support that they can form a government,” Pintard said.
“So don’t waste your time with a third party or an independent. They can’t win. A vote for COI or a vote for an independent is a vote for the PLP.
“So, this is no time to sit this one out. When you sit down, some crooked fellas stand up and win.
“We need you to vote. The advanced poll was a disaster.”
Thursday’s advanced poll was marred by long lines and unprepared Parliamentary Registration Department. Dozens of elderly voters had to wait hours in long lines in the sun, which lead to some people fainting and needing medical attention. Others left without voting.
The PRD said more 26,000 people were registered to vote in the advanced poll and that it was “unprepared” for the large number of voters who showed up.
Many described the scene as “chaos”.
Pintard said yesterday that he believes the government wanted to “intentionally” frustrate voters.
“Berry Islands, we need you to vote,” he said.
“Stand in the line no matter how much they slow it down. When we vote big, they can’t rig the system. We vote big, they can’t rig. We need every one of you that are undecided tonight to vote for your children. Vote for the future.”
Pintard said while the PLP is running on a campaign of “progress,” it has been anything but.
He pointed to record spending on government travel and the lack of basic equipment on many Family Islands as reasons voters should vote the government out.
The opposition leader also pushed back against claims from the PLP that the FNM would fire Bahamians if elected.
“They want to tell you that we are going to fire folk,” Pintard said.
“They lie. They are telling you Post Office workers will lose their jobs. They lie. We’ll bring banking back to the Family Islands.”
Pintard said an FNM government will be different.
He pledged to do better for Family Island residents who have long been neglected by previous administrations.
Carlton Bowleg is the party’s candidate for Bimini and the Berry Islands.
The FNM leader said Bowleg is a man who cares about his people and urged Berry Islanders to support him.
The election is set for May 12.
