January 29, 2025
The introduction of local government in 1996 shifted a significant degree of autonomy to communities in the family islands to manage local affairs such as health, sanitation, water, and other public services.
While far from perfect, the model has the potential to dramatically improve the governance of our islands and neighborhoods. Though local government elections do not generate the same level of public enthusiasm as general elections, they nonetheless demand appropriate planning, public notice, and coordination.
Local government is a part of Minister Clay Sweeting’s portfolio. His stewardship of the 2025 national local government elections can best be described as disastrous.
After the election announcement in December 2024, polling was planned for 33 districts nationwide. The execution was sloppy and inconsistent with a confidence-inspiring democratic exercise. Confusion abounded as people offered and ran who ought to have been ineligible. There were delays in balloting at several polling stations.
More than a week after polling, official results are still not available. Some swearing-in ceremonies have been postponed indefinitely and the *Acting Parliamentary Commissioner’s explanation of challenged circumstances does very little to remedy the obvious blunder.*
Clearly, the rushed, poorly organized, chaotic affair is unbecoming of a nation that claims to value the democratic process.
In 2008, a Cabinet minister resigned because of the mishandling of the local government electoral process. His resignation was deemed appropriate.
In 2025—as in 2008—the buck stops with the minister responsible.
The people of the affected communities and the people of the Bahamas at large are owed an explanation and an apology for this botched affair.
Perhaps the minister should follow the lead of his predecessor and do the honorable thing. He ought to take responsibility for this unmitigated disaster and resign.
Hon. Adrian White M.P.
Shadow Minister Works & Local Government