37% voted for PLP as FNM swept to popular victory

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Progressive Liberal Party received 37 per cent of votes counted in the 2017 election, at least 11 per cent fewer than what it received in 2012, according to The Tribune’s analysis of the official election results.

The PLP received 59,397 votes, according to The Tribune’s records.

The Free National Movement, on the other hand, won 57 per cent of the votes cast in the election, 20 per cent more than the PLP received and about 14 per cent more than the party received in 2012.

The Democratic National Alliance, which saw its stock decrease this year compared to 2012, won 4.7 per cent of the vote while other parties and independent candidates won a collective 1.4 per cent of the vote.

Overall, 160,641 people had a vote that counted in this year’s election.

According to official figures, 21,034 registered voters did not vote at all in the election or did not have their vote counted.

The PLP suffered the worst electoral defeat in its history, winning just four seats: Englerston; San Salvador, Rum Cay & Cat Island; Exuma and South Andros.

Former Fox Hill MP and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell downplayed the FNM’s landslide victory over the weekend, saying there’s nothing revolutionary about the win.

Mr Mitchell chalked the loss up to the continuing effects of the global recession, “the money of foreign interests” and the “turn of clever phrases.”

Nonetheless, many in the PLP have privately blamed former Prime Minister Perry Christie for the general election loss, despite the party’s decision to overwhelmingly re-elect him leader at its convention in January.

Alfred Sears and Leslie Miller, the PLP’s candidates in Fort Charlotte and Tall Pines respectively, have both said that as they canvassed in their constituencies they encountered voters who admired them but declined to offer their support because they could no longer stand the leadership of the party.

During the campaign season, the FNM capitalised on this and the country’s discontent with the Christie administration. The FNM frequently highlighted that administration’s decision to use value added tax (VAT) for reasons not related to debt reduction as well as scandals involving several government members, including former Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald’s unsuccessful attempt to solicit contracts from Baha Mar.

Comments

TalRussell says...

Comrades! I predicated pre election that the polling I had seen indicated the PLP stood at 37.65%......But I also gave the red Shirts a 37.65% shot at forming a minority government that could go either way....What I didn't see coming was the reds 35 House seat win on election day.

Posted 16 May 2017, 3:04 p.m. Suggest removal

ThisIsOurs says...

"*Free National Movement, on the other hand, won 57 per cent of the votes*"

Split down the middle

Posted 16 May 2017, 3:16 p.m. Suggest removal

sheeprunner12 says...

The swing vote was bigger this time (20%) than last time ....... a combination of DNA voters and the youth vote and the U-50 middle class voters

Posted 16 May 2017, 6:58 p.m. Suggest removal

cmiller says...

Stalwart councillors need to be more in touch with voters themselves, and not just vote for a party leader on blind, and sometimes foolish loyalty.

Posted 17 May 2017, 7:32 a.m. Suggest removal

sheeprunner12 says...

True ......... that is why party primaries are so important ..... What is it that the PLP cannot have a nomination process and a membership vote by constituency to elect a new party leader???? ...... That will solve the anointing myth that has plagued the party since SLOP took over.

Posted 17 May 2017, 10:58 a.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

The FNM according to Mr: Collie had 6,000 persons working for them. They also used VAT against the PLP Government. people were told and shown picture of a house Mr: Christie is
building in Atlanta with the VAT money . People who supported the FNM are asking for Mr:
Christie to be put in jail. just as those in the USA wanted Ms: Clinton in Jail. Their them
was "Where the VAT money gone" Is that any way to win an election ? and the newspaper
advertisement all against the PLP. They will do well to remember they have sown the Wind
and they will reap the Whirlwind.

Posted 17 May 2017, 4:24 p.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

Ikaliki with his lavatory mind. read the facts, of what Mr: Collie said ? 6000 persons working
for The FNM . Then cuss me it is all right,

Posted 17 May 2017, 4:57 p.m. Suggest removal

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