TALK of election continues to be up in the air – with FNM leader Michael Pintard yesterday saying he anticipates an early general election, possibly in September.

The suggestion was quickly batted back by the Office of the Prime Minister and dismissed by PLP chairman Fred Mitchell – but perhaps of more substance is Mr Pintard recommitting his party to fixed election dates.

It is fair to note that word recommitting with some hesitancy. After all, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis had said he would introduce fixed election dates, back in 2019, as well as term limits for the prime minister. In fact, in January 2019, he said he would do so that very week – but nothing materialised.

Indeed, he went on to call an early election. He will not need to be reminded that he lost handsomely.

In opposition at the time, PLP leader Philip Davis grumbled about the lack of information about when exactly the election would arrive.

He said in July 2021: “He (Dr Minnis) is not engaging the public and/or the opposition party consistently in the way that has been happening in the past. At the very least every Prime Minister in modern days gave some indication that covers a three or four-month period as to when the election will be held. Very often they would give an indication and serve some notice that within that three-month period we have to be ready for the election. In this case, all the Prime Minister is saying is that the election is not due until May 2022.

“What does that mean? We should not be ready before then, or just be ready for that time? The Westminster system dictates some convention should be applied to the fixing of elections that would involve the leader of political parties. He doesn’t have to tell us the exact date but he could at least give a period because there are a lot of things a party has to do to ready itself for a general election.”

Mr Davis pointed out the jarring nature of the situation given Dr Minnis’ promise on fixed election dates – but stopped short of prioritising fixed dates himself.

Former leaders too have spoken on fixed dates. In August 2021, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham noted: “I had one snap election. I called an election in March of 1997, which was about five months before the end of my term, and thereafter I determined that we ought to move towards a fixed election date as far as possible.”

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie at the time expressed surprise at Dr Minnis’ early election call, but noted “prime ministers have a right to do that. He’s decided to do that. The Bahamian people have a right the chance to say yes or no, so he’s exercised his constitutional right”.

What is the advantage of a fixed date for an election? Well, it gives the nation the opportunity to be prepared, to start with. Each party can have its manifestos prepared, the best candidates for the job chosen for each constituency, and everything put in place for any possible transition – whether it is from one party to another or changes of ministers if a party remains in place.

After all, the best outcome from any election is the best government to lead the nation. Having all parties prepared to take the fight to the ballot box, in the best shape to present their arguments and policies, helps toward that outcome.

Of course, for the party in power, the advantage is being able to choose their battlefield. They cannot choose their opponents, and they can often not choose the global situation they find themselves in, but they can choose a date and plan accordingly.

Will Mr Pintard be right about a September vote? We will see. But if he wins, will he hold true to his word and will that be the last snap election in The Bahamas? His predecessor did not, but it would be a significant change if it comes to pass.