FNM struggles to finalize first 20 candidates

With more than three weeks gone since its self-imposed May 1 deadline, the Free National Movement (FNM) has yet to announce its first 20 ratified candidates for the upcoming general election, raising questions about the party’s preparedness and internal confidence heading into a critical political contest.

Back in April, the FNM confidently declared plans to unveil its first 20 candidates by the start of May—a move meant to signal momentum and organizational strength.

However, the silence since then has been deafening. No candidates have been officially named, and sources close to the party suggest that the FNM is struggling to assemble a slate of contenders who meet both the strategic and public appeal needed to inspire the electorate.

“There is interest, yes, but not necessarily the caliber that makes voters stand up and take notice,” a senior party insider confided under the condition of anonymity. “We can’t afford to make safe or mediocre picks. The FNM needs bold choices right now, not placeholders.”

This delay has only intensified scrutiny on party leader Michael Pintard, who continues to face an uphill battle to unify the party and convince the public that he is the right person to lead the FNM into the next election.

While Pintard has publicly speculated that Prime Minister Philip Davis may call an early election, critics argue that the FNM would be caught flat-footed if that were to happen.

The FNM’s challenges come on the heels of a bruising defeat in the 2021 general election, where the party won just 7 out of 39 seats in the House of Assembly.

Since then, rebuilding efforts have been marred by internal friction by tension between Pintard and former party leader. Dr. Hubert Minnis.

One source of that internal tension revolves around the Killarney constituency, currently held by Minnis. Despite the party’s announcement that it will not re-nominate Minnis for the seat, the former leader has hinted at an independent run—setting the stage for a potentially explosive showdown. Behind the scenes, party officials are scrambling to identify a candidate capable of challenging Minnis’ deep-rooted support in the area.