By DANA SMITH

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

IT IS likely the FNM will remain the governing party according to readers who voted in The Tribune's online web poll.

As of yesterday afternoon, 514 readers responded to the question: "With the general election fast approaching, who would you vote for at this stage of the campaign season?"

The FNM took the victory with 318 persons or 61.87 per cent choosing them; 122 persons or 23.74 per cent selected the PLP; 69 persons or 13.42 per cent selected the DNA; and five persons or .97 per cent chose to go independent.

For a more in-depth look into the reasoning behind the votes, The Tribune randomly selected Bahamians to ask who they think will win and why.

An Abaco resident, who chose to remain anonymous, believes the Bahamas can expect another FNM government.

"I believe the FNM will win because they have done an excellent job, especially during this recession. I feel they would handle the country even better recognising all that they've been going through," she said.

"It's better for them to continue as the government than to put someone else new in there that doesn't know what to do."

She added that the election will come down to the FNM and the PLP, however the Abaconian did recognise the presence of the DNA.

"Because of this third party, it'll be a little bit close but I believe if it wasn't for the third party, it would be a landslide," she said, explaining that the DNA could "steal some votes" from the FNM.

Andrea of Long Island could not decide what party will win the election and seemed undecided about what party she supports.

"I have no idea," she said. "I talk to the PLP, they say they're winning; I talk to the FNM, and they say they're winning... I've been looking at the rallies and I can't say. Everyone thinks their rallies are the biggest."

As for the DNA, she said: "I think they have a chance at taking some voters from each party but that's about it. I don't think they're going to have a major impact - this time at least."

Grand Bahama resident Caroline expressed confidence in an FNM win, stating: "FNM is going to win because of all they have done and I do support them."

She said the election is "going to be close win" over the PLP, while the DNA has "a very slight chance" of winning seats.