COI protest puts FNM to shame

The Coalition of Independents surged ahead of the political spotlight today as its protest in Parliament Square drew a significantly larger crowd than the Free National Movement’s demonstration on the same issue just days earlier—raising fresh questions about the strength of the official opposition heading into the 2026 General Election.

While the FNM’s “Kill the Bill” march on Monday attracted fewer than 50 supporters, the COI gathered an estimated 200 people this afternoon, all calling on the government to withdraw the controversial anti-smuggling bill before it is debated in the Senate.

The stark difference in turnout has intensified scrutiny over the FNM’s ability to mobilize voters at a time when the party is still grappling with internal divisions four years after its 2021 election defeat.

COI Leader Lincoln Bain did not hesitate to highlight the disparity, telling supporters that although the FNM holds the title of official opposition, the COI has proven itself to be “the real opposition” on the ground.

Bain argued that Bahamians are losing confidence in traditional political structures and are looking to groups like the COI to fill the void.

The stronger-than-expected showing has fueled speculation that the COI could become a spoiler for the FNM in the next election, siphoning off frustrated voters who feel the opposition has not mounted an effective challenge to the Davis administration.

With the FNM’s ongoing struggle to unify its base, political observers say the PLP could sail to another victory.