Pintard afraid of Golden Isles by-election loss

Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Michael Pintard has called for a general election instead of holding a by-election in the Golden Isles constituency but his political opponents are openly asking whether Pintard is simply afraid of another by-election defeat.

Pintard says his party is discussing the general election and argues that spending massive amounts of money to win a single-seat may not be the best use of resources at this time. Still, the call has raised eyebrows across the political landscape.

The reason? Under Pintard’s leadership, the FNM has already lost one by-election in West Grand Bahama and Bimini and the party had previously lost two more to the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP): Elizabeth and North Abaco.

A fourth defeat in Golden Isles could deal yet another blow to FNM morale and raise further doubts about Pintard’s ability to lead the party into the next national campaign.

Critics say the FNM leader’s push to skip the by-election may be more about political self-preservation than fiscal prudence. By-elections are widely seen as a litmus test for public support between general elections, and Pintard may be keen to avoid another public verdict before the full race begins.

Furthermore, Golden Isles residents deserve to have their voice heard in Parliament, regardless of timing or political calculations.