The FNM is Cracking Under Pressure! They will say and do anything!

The Bahamian political landscape is no stranger to “silly season” theatrics, but what we are witnessing in the lead-up to the 2026 general election has moved beyond the typical cut-and-thrust of democracy. It has entered a realm that can only be described as “mysteriously alarming.” For the first time in modern history, the Free National Movement (FNM) appears to be experiencing a collective psychological fracturing—a breakdown driven by the dual weights of a relentless Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) momentum and a reported, devastating drought in traditional financial backing.

As the gap between the two major parties widens—with recent polls showing the PLP commandingly ahead—the FNM’s response has not been a pivot toward policy or a calming of the waters. Instead, we see a pattern of “unhinged” behaviour that suggests a party in the throes of a desperate identity crisis.

Nowhere was this more evident than on the campaign trail with Marvin Dames. In a moment that sent chills through the electorate, Dames essentially abandoned the “best foot forward” approach expected of seasoned statesmen. His literal threats toward PLP candidates—promising retribution should the FNM regain power—weren’t just hot air; they were a grim reminder of the FNM’s documented history of victimization.

Lest we forget, this is the same party apparatus that pursued aggressive, high-profile cases against former PLP MPs Shane Gibson and Kenred Dorsett. Both men were subjected to public humiliation, only for the government to lose those cases and leave Bahamian taxpayers to foot the bill for millions in damages. Dames’ current rhetoric suggests a dangerous amnesia about those failures, or, worse, a desire to double down on the same divisive tactics the public has already rejected.

The “alarming” state of the FNM’s candidates raises serious questions about the party’s vetting process and mental fortitude. Take, for example, Rick Fox’s recent conduct. The former NBA star, once seen as a “celebrity get” for the party, has behaved in a manner that leaves voters scratching their heads. His reported outburst about wanting to “punch them in the mouth”—ostensibly referring to his opponent, incumbent Mario Bowleg—is a far cry from the diplomatic, constructive discourse the Bahamian people deserve. When a candidate resorts to the language of physical violence, it begs the question: Is the FNM conducting any psychological or mental evaluations of those they wish to place in the halls of power?

Even at the top, the stability seems to be wobbling. Michael Pintard, who should be the stabilizing force of the Official Opposition, has instead been a fountain of “outlandish” statements. The sheer volume of his daily critiques—many of which lack the grounding of factual data or viable alternatives—suggests a leader who is reacting to the news cycle rather than driving a national vision.

The question the public must ask is: Why are they so terrified?

The answer likely lies in the intersection of two cold, hard facts:

As we enter the waning days of this campaign, we must be on high alert. History shows that when a political entity becomes “unhinged,” it will do or say anything to survive. The desperation we see from Dames, Fox, and Pintard is not just campaign noise; it is a symptom of a deeper malaise within the FNM.

If this level of volatile behaviour is what they offer on the trail, we must be deeply concerned about what they would bring to Parliament. A government cannot function on outbursts, threats, and “punch-in-the-mouth” diplomacy. As the gap in the polls continues to increase exponentially, the Bahamian voter must decide if they want a steady hand at the wheel or a party that seems to be losing its grip on reality.