FNM leaders worried after low turnout at Golden Isles rally

The Free National Movement (FNM) is reassessing its campaign strategy after another underwhelming turnout at its “Rally in the Alley” event in Dignity Gardens Park last night. It is the second consecutive low-attendance rally in the Golden Isles constituency ahead of this month’s by-election.

Observers noted that while last week’s rally struggled to draw a sizeable crowd, last night’s gathering was even smaller.

What’s more, most attendees did not reside in Golden Isles, instead appearing to be long-time FNM supporters from other constituencies who were brought in to bolster the audience.

The turnout is a blow to the party, which had hoped to capitalize on what it believed was growing disillusionment among voters with the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), now four years into its term. But despite the FNM’s expectations, the PLP has maintained a constant presence on the ground in Golden Isles, with senior party figures canvassing daily and energizing their base.

According to insiders, shifting support away from the PLP has proven far more difficult than the FNM anticipated.

Some senior FNM members had privately cautioned against contesting the by-Election at all, arguing that a loss this close to the 2026 General Election could sap the party’s momentum. Those internal disagreements resurfaced last night as the weak turnout heightened concerns about the party’s readiness and resonance.

However, FNM Leader Michael Pintard has remained resolute in backing the party’s candidate, Brian Brown. Pintard has insisted that Brown’s reputation as a well-liked community figure gives the FNM a real chance in the constituency though party insiders admit that turning a current PLP seat red remains an uphill battle.

With just over a week before nearly 7,900 voters head to the polls, the FNM is now under pressure to recalibrate quickly.