The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Communications Director Latrae Rahming said campaign finance reform should be part of The Bahamas’ national development agenda, but stopped short of committing the party to specific action.

“I think that futuristically and even now, there's going to be a need, especially in our national development plan, to see how we have a structured approach to campaign finance reform,” Mr Rahming said during the PLP’s first weekly press conference yesterday, adding The Bahamas should examine models from similar jurisdictions to determine what best fits the country.

“I think it's important to note that the issue of campaign finance reform is definitely something that ought to be considered in the national development plan, definitely something that The Bahamas should be able to benchmark which system or policy works for our jurisdiction.”

He also pointed to existing financial safeguards, while calling for broader political consensus on reform.

“I do think that there ought to be a conversation that all major parties should have on campaign financial reform,” he said.

The issue has been debated for years without legislation.

In September 2024, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said campaign finance reform, though promised in the PLP’s Blueprint for Change, was not a priority.

“I don’t know where this issue of campaign finance came up,” Mr Davis said at the time. “But for me, I will not disclose the donors to our campaign unless the donors will be willing to allow me to.”

He said his administration was considering the issue but focused on more immediate concerns, arguing such legislation would not directly address the struggles of Bahamians.

Both major parties have pledged reform in the past but have not enacted legislation, despite calls from groups including the Organisation for Responsible Governance and the Organisation of American States.

During yesterday’s briefing, PLP legal team member Keenan Johnson outlined key election deadlines ahead of the May 12 vote.

Nomination Day is set for April 16.

“It’s important to note that while candidates have been ratified for the various political parties, they are not officially nominated for this election until they have completed that nomination process,” Mr Johnson said.

Applications for overseas voting must be submitted by April 17 through the MyGateway platform. Advance polling is scheduled for April 30, with applications for special voters due by April 25.

“You can vote with your passport. You can vote with your driver’s licence,” Mr Johnson said.

The PLP said it will host weekly press briefings each Sunday until the election.

Golden Gates MP Pia Glover-Rolle said the party is entering a critical phase of the campaign, noting that “every day counts” with 30 days remaining.