THE FNM says this weekend's party convention will be 'transformative' and that the party will emerge ready to hold the new government to account over its ambitious election promises.

FNM chairman Carl Bethel said: "The convention promises to be both exciting and transformative as the Free National Movement shows that it has heard the voice of the Bahamian electorate, and is prepared to respond positively and proactively to meet the challenges of being the official opposition, while laying a firm and enduring foundation for an early return to government.

"This is especially so as it becomes more and more obvious to hurting and long-suffering Bahamians that the newly elected, conflict of interest laden PLP government gained their support by false promises of a quick fix to the vexing problems of a depressed global and national economy, the home mortgage crisis, as well as the increasingly high and unacceptable levels of violent crime and murders on our streets."

Mr Bethel said the convention theme, 'Ignite the Future', emphasises the determination of every member, and the more than 65,000 supporters of the FNM, 'to do everything in their power to hold the torch of freedom high, to light the way to a better future, and to thereby ignite in the hearts of Bahamians a re-commitment to good governance, accountability and integrity in every public office.'

The convention will be held on Saturday, May 26 at the Holy Trinity Activities Centre in Trinity Way north of McKinney Avenue, Stapledon Gardens.

During the event a number of top positions are expected to be contested, including leader, deputy leader, national chairman and the trustees.

The convention starts at 8am and outgoing leader, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, will give his farewell address during the opening ceremony, which begins at 9am. The public are invited to attend.

After the opening ceremony, Mr Bethel said the convention will go into closed sessions, during which there will be nominations of candidates to contest senior party offices.

Voting will then take place, followed by the adoption of proposed amendments to the party's constitution, followed by an awards and recognition ceremony.

The evening session of the convention, which is also open to the public, will begin at 7pm and will feature the official announcement of the new party leader, deputy leader and all other elected officials.

A closing address and charge to delegates will be given by the new party leader.

Mr Bethel said: "The Free National Movement is pleased with the vast array of exciting contenders for party offices, inclusive of seasoned political leaders and newcomers, who are stepping forward to vie for the offices of deputy leader, chairman, secretary general, and a host of senior posts within the party."