2002 GENERAL ELECTIONHTML Copyright © 2001-2002, awsltd.netThere were several indicators before the 2002 General Election that all might not go well with Hubert Ingraham's Free National Movement party. Division had occurred when two ministers left the party (or were dismissed) long before the election. The party was further divided by the election of a new party leader, Tommy Turnquest, who lacked the necessary charisma to impose himself on the political scene. The almost total rejection of the FNM government's referendum earlier this year was the clearest sign of all that the party was in trouble. Even so, the extent of the FNM's defeat by the Progressive Liberal Party on 2nd May was more convincing than could have been expected.
The Progressive Liberal Party had been in power from 1967 to 1992 under the leadership of the late Sir Lynden Pindling. The FNM took over the reins of government in 1992 and in 1997 defeated the PLP so heavily that the party had only five out of 40 parliamentarians. The PLP had leadership problems of its own which led to the formation of an offspring party. Somehow the PLP survived as a political entity and provided the voice of opposition so effectively that it beat the FNM convincingly in the 2002 election, its five house members turning into 29.
Even PLP supporters were surprised by the size of their victory. The PLP did not win because of any polished and effective election strategy; they won because the FNM self destructed. Every member of Hubert Ingraham's cabinet lost their seat and only one Nassau FNM candidate was elected. A few days after the election the parliamentary members chose Alvin Smith as their leader. It should be noted that the Progressive Liberal Party has a diehard core, sometimes referred to as "grass roots", that votes party line every election come hell or high water. No other political party has the longevity to match this basis of support.
The new Prime Minister of The Bahamas is Perry Christie, a lawyer. Cynthia "Mother" Pratt was sworn in as the nation's first female Deputy Prime Minister.
Abaco's two sitting members of parliament both retained their seats. The results were as follows: North Abaco - Hubert Ingraham 1,713; Fritz Bootle 1,317; Ali McIntosh 12. South Abaco - Robert Sweeting 1,237; Edison Key 1,213.
On his return to Abaco after the election, Hubert Ingraham told an enthusiastic crowd in Coopers Town on 10th May that there were ten reasons why his party lost the election: 1. His announcement that he would only serve two terms; 2. The FNM leadership battle, which divided the party; 3. The referendum, which further undermined the party when senior members publicly voted against the motions; 4. The party's lack of responsiveness to public opinion in the selection of FNM candidates; 5. Money, including drug money, which played a big part in the winning of some constituencies by the PLP; 6. His government's perceived capitulation to international pressure to change financial laws and reduce banking secrecy; 7. The good organisation of the PLP; 8. Over-confidence on the part of the FNM. The party had an excellent record of governance but that was not enough; 9. The Inheritance Laws, Minimum Wage Act, Status of Children Act and the Health and Safety Act, which were unpopular in some quarters; 10. Confidence in Perry Christie and the PLP to successfully administer the country's business.