Although former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Raynard Rigby acknowledged that Prime Minister Perry Christie still enjoys overwhelming support in the PLP, he said yesterday that it is time for a "generational shift in leadership".
Rigby, who responded to questions from The Nassau Guardian, said if Christie does decide to run for leader again, he would be "difficult to defeat".
Christie has not indicated whether he will seek re-election."He is extremely, very popular in the party," Rigby said.
"He still enjoys the confidence of the majority of members of the party.
"So this question about whether he is going to be leading the party in the next election, the question as to whether he is still relevant for PLP politics I think are just academic questions.
"Personally, I believe that given where the country is today and the challenges that befall upon us, that we do require a generational shift in our leadership.
"When that will occur I think depends on a lot of dynamics that will occur in politics and I think this is true not just for PLP politics, it is true for FNM politics.
"I think the country is ready for new leadership and is ready for new leadership which transgresses the generation of (former prime minister the late) Lynden Oscar Pindling and is ready for broad leadership, which understands the enormous challenge that befalls us," said Rigby.
"And the leadership must be able to communicate with the Bahamian people in their language...where people can have hope in the future."
Asked last year whether he was running again, Christie indicated that he would make that decision in concert with his family and the PLP.
"You know who decides whether I'm running again? Firstly, me and my family," he said last July.
"Secondly, the people, the members of Parliament and the political organization throughout the country.
"So I'm not going to be distracted by that now. I see people saying I am running again. That's fine. They are able to say that. I am now running to get results from the Progressive Liberal Party government. That's what I'm running for. I am running full speed all the time."
Christie, 71, said previously that he was grooming the next generation of leaders in the PLP. However, last year January, Christie suggested that if former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham returns to public life there is no guarantee that he, Christie, would exit.
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said on Monday the party will hold its convention in the last week of October at the Melia Nassau Beach resort on Cable Beach.
Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis and Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said they would run for leader if Christie decides to step down.
Both have indicated that they support Christie as leader of the party.
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