By Dennis Dames
As I travel throughout New Providence communities and listen to the various perspectives on the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), one view dominates the people’s opinions. That is that the DNA will win some seats, but it will be well short of a decisive election victory for them; but they could muster enough parliamentary representation to determine the ultimate general election winner.
Well, if the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) finds itself in the position of influencing the next government of The Bahamas through a coalition arrangement, how could it be possible for them to form an administration with the established Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) or free National Movement (FNM) when they consider both political organizations to be out of touch with the vision of a 21 century Bahamas and Bahamian people?
Herein lays the madness of the Democratic Alliance; as the general public – including many DNA supporters believe that the party could only play a spoiler’s role in the 2012 general election. The DNA game looks like a political con on the Bahamian people, because an outright victory for them appears remotely impossible, and it’s this writer’s view that they are not open to a partnership with any of the two major parties – if circumstances present them self.
When we look at New Providence where more than half of the political constituencies are concentrated and boundary changes and lines are becoming clear to all, one must ask oneself: which districts are winnable for the DNA? Eastern, western, northern, southern and central Nassau will be very unkind to the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) – in my view. The best that they could do is influence which PLP or FNM standard bearers will be victorious.
This reminds me of the 1977 general election where an intensely splintered opposition provided the ideal chemistry for the ruling party’s victory. This is something that Branville McCartney - the DNA leader should not be proud about in the end.
It will defeat the purpose of real political change in The Bahamas, and the Moral of the story would be: unite for victory, and divide and get beat.
The DNA is presently engaging in an all-out air political assault where they are busy sending e-mail updates on their activities to persons on their list, and using online platforms like Facebook and Twitter to connect with potential voters. They have yet to begin a well planned and organized ground blitz in the various constituencies. Apparently, they do not see the wisdom of getting a head-start in the field, or they simply don’t care.
One young voter remarked recently that he hasn’t seen anybody yet, despite the reality that a general election is just around the corner. I have been hearing a lot of similar sentiments lately. This is bad news for the DNA; they have not effectively capitalized on the momentum that followed their launch earlier this year, in my opinion. The ground is where they should be by now, instead of the political group orgies and partying among their converts. Stop making fellow DNAs feel good with street rallies, and Party Hardy; and hit the road Jack!
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has not convinced the Bahamian electorate to get on board their ship in prizewinning numbers to date, and with a general election on the horizon, they seem to be paralyzed about taking their campaign to the level of useful political charm and viability – in my humble view.
Caribbean Blog International
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.