Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Perry Christie alleges unfair electoral practices in Elizabeth by-election

By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:


Progressive Liberal Party leader Perry Christie last night alleged that there were unfair electoral practices in Elizabeth ahead of Tuesday's by-election.

"The people of Elizabeth are witnessing and experiencing offers of temporary jobs, paving of roads and even track roads, installation of street lights, fancy promises about taking care of them, all to get them to vote against Ryan Pinder and the PLP," Christie alleged at a rally in the constituency last night.

"There is no doubt that the people of Elizabeth deserve everything that they can get and we support their receiving such entitlements. But the question must be asked, why wait until now?"

Christie said he found it interesting that after all this time in office, the FNM government "is only now just showing its face in Elizabeth."

"Santa Claus is coming to town in February," he said. "Imagine that."

In the weeks since attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned his Parliamentary seat, the national spotlight has been focused on Elizabeth, with constituents' needs being highlighted by the five candidates in the race.

Matching the articulation of those needs have been a slew of promises on how they will be addressed.

Christie urged residents last night not to be fooled by the election.

"The only party in this race that really cares about you is the same party that has always cared about struggling Bahamians - the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.

Christie also encouraged Elizabeth constituents to show the Free National Movement just how smart they are.

"Let them know that you don't want to go just a little way with a few handouts," he said. "Tell them that you want to go all the way to freedom and dignity with the PLP. Tell them that this is politics at its most cynical level and that you reject it thoroughly."

Christie said Elizabeth voters have every right to ask the FNM government and the FNM's candidate Dr. Duane Sands where they have been over the past two years.

He again expressed confidence in the outcome of the approaching election.

"I feel confident that at the end of the five days that remain, a new day for the people of Elizabeth will come to life; a new day will dawn; a new day that will bring in a new era of caring and compassionate representation; a new era of imaginative and innovative representation...," Christie said.

But the PLP leader told supporters, "We are almost there, but we're not there yet. Let's not lose sight of that fact. We've come a long way over the last couple of weeks but we still have some ways to go. There is still ground to be covered. There are still five days left and these last five days will be the hardest ground of all to cover."

He also said Pinder would play an important role in the next government.

"If you're looking for a stand-up political fighter who is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with his opponents and to debate them in public on the issues, then Ryan is your man," said Christie in a clear swipe at Sands for not participating in Jones Communications' candidates debate on Tuesday night.

Heaping more praise on Pinder, the PLP leader called the candidate "someone with bright, new, clearly-thought-out ideas for fixing the social and economic problems" that Elizabeth constituents face.

He also characterized Pinder as someone who feels deeply about the plight of disaffected youth, the unemployed and residents fearful of escalating crime.

Pinder told supporters last night that he is not the kind of candidate will would be reachable only when he needs votes.

"So Elizabeth, on this short march to victory, on which I hope you will partner with me, you can be sure of a PLP candidate who has your welfare and your future as priority, and who will offer sensible and realistic solutions to everyday problems," he said.

February 11, 2010


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