The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

In the poignant absence left by MP Obadiah Wilchcombe, the constituency of Grand Bahama, Bimini, and the Berry Islands finds itself enveloped in a vital democratic process - the bye-election. It is a call to arms for the electorate to decide who will fill the void representing their needs, aspirations, and struggles in the legislative chambers; a grave reminder that even in loss, the spirit of democracy persists, facilitating voices to be heard, choices to be made, and governance to be scrutinised and guided by the populace it serves.

By-elections within the Westminster system serve not merely as a procedural necessity but as a potent symbol of democratic endurance and participative governance. Constituents are beckoned to redefine their aspirations and re-evaluate the issues central to their collective well-being. Thus, this by-election extends beyond electing a representative; it is an assertion that the voices within the constituencies of Grand Bahama, Bimini, and the Berry Islands are pivotal, their opinions consequential, and their suffrage sacred.

However, the path ahead has its challenges and perplexities. The Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Act, amended in 2020, ushers in a new era of continuous voter registration, a response to the logistical adversities brought forth by the pandemic, but not without casting shadows of doubt and concern. Senator Dr Michael Darville poignantly queried the efficacy and accuracy of databases meant to uphold this new system and expressed apprehensions about the potentially disenfranchising impact on those displaced by Hurricane Dorian.

In the debate on this bill, key Opposition members raised concerns over the need for in-depth analysis and absolute transparency in this newly adopted electoral mechanism - with some even going so far as to link the need for campaign finance reform as a critical element in strengthening democracy. It begs an answer to how the Parliamentary Registration Department intends to ensure the veracity of voter information, especially considering the significant diaspora from hurricane-affected areas to different constituencies, which might inadvertently affect voting eligibility and fairness.

The validation of concerns about displacement and the accuracy of voter registers isn’t mere speculation but, rather, a pertinent query that seeks to preserve the integrity of our democratic processes. While the amendments to the Parliamentary Elections Bill in 2020 were conceived with the protection of voters and poll workers during the pandemic in mind, it is essential to recognise the complexity and potential challenges that may arise in actualising a system that is both seamless and unerring. Thus, a thorough exploration and steadfast vigilance towards the upcoming by-election, set against the backdrop of these amendments, become crucial in ensuring that systematic inconsistencies don’t desecrate the democratic chorus.

But it’s not only the technical and systematic aspects that merit reflection. The palpable disconnection many voters feel, possibly exacerbated by the trauma and disruption of recent years, must be acknowledged and addressed. This disconnect was glaringly evident in the 2021 general election, which marked the lowest voter turnout in The Bahamas in decades. Although the exact causes of this substantial decline remain somewhat elusive, it serves as a stark indicator of the formidable hurdles that have emerged due to the ongoing challenges stemming from the pandemic and the complex interplay of socio-economic and political factors. As a nation, our collective mission must be to break down these barriers to political participation fervently.

In the forthcoming by-election, every effort must be concentrated on bridging this gap between the populace and the polls, transforming civic duty from a statutory obligation to a revered principle deeply embedded in the national ethos. It is imperative to appreciate that when citizens abstain from exercising their electoral rights, it subtly erodes the foundational democratic principle that governance should be representative of and accountable to its citizenry.

The pathway toward forging a deep-seated commitment to electoral participation traverses through the terrains of education, empowerment, and engagement. Initiatives and campaigns focused on elucidating the pivotal role of each vote and empowering citizens to engage in civic activities are not only essential but urgently needed. This rekindling of civic engagement will serve to both uphold the integrity of our democratic systems and nurture a culture where governance is perpetually aligned with the needs and aspirations of its constituents.

Through our endeavours at the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG), we’ve observed that empowered citizens who are well-versed in their rights and the machinations of governance are not merely voters but active participants in the democratic process. They perpetuate a level of accountability and transparency indispensable for a flourishing democracy. Through our initiatives, including the Active Citizens Bahamas campaign, which has traversed ten islands and impacted over 1,000 Bahamians, we aim to plant the seeds of empowerment and foster active participation. Our vision is to cultivate a democratic system that is more robust, reflective, and remarkably resilient.

As we stride into the future, the by-election becomes a touchstone, reflecting our collective will to persevere in adversity and uphold the democratic principles that bind our nation together. It transcends mere political contestation, serving instead as a platform to affirm our unwavering commitment to democratic participation and the ceaseless pursuit of a governance structure that is both representative and responsive.

In memory of Obadiah Wilchcombe, let this by-election stand as a testament to the Bahamian spirit’s resilience and the imperishable flame of democracy that lights our path forward. His legacy reminds us that, even in his absence, the principles and values that one advocates for can endure, forging a path that future generations will tread upon.

The onus is on us, the citizens of The Bahamas, to ensure that the democratic light remains undimmed, safeguarding our nation’s future from the ravages of apathy and disengagement. Let us honour the memory of our lost representative by engaging fervently in the democratic process, thereby ensuring that the voices from Grand Bahama, Bimini, and the Berry Islands continue to resonate through the halls of our parliamentary chambers.

Organisation for Responsible Government Bahamas

October 16, 2023