The apathy of the Bahamian electorate towards politics and the political directorate is obvious for all to see. The results of the recent polling conducted by Public Domain is not only telling but disturbing for a country that prides itself in high voter participation and turnout in the electoral process. It is fair to state the results of the survey only confirmed what many Bahamians outside of the political bubbles already knew or felt. We will return at a later date to analyze the survey and explore what it means for the future of our commonwealth.

In the meantime, we pause to examine how we have viewed and practiced politics in The Bahamas for decades. Political strategists and thought leaders have described politics as a science or art which involves elected individuals making decisions that alter the lives of a defined group of people. It is the vehicle by which a select group of persons pursue power to advance policies and ideas usually associated with governance.

The religion of politics
While humans are political beings by nature, Bahamians are a unique breed insofar as how we view and practice politics in our nation. Indeed politics is so engrained in our genes that it has divided families, separated friends and created enemies among our people while the perceived political elites across political divides wine and dine in their proverbial towers. Many will argue that outside of the Christian religion, politics has become the next religion of choice.
Arguably, there are three main areas of interest for the Bahamian people: church, politics and Junkanoo.

On any given day, these are three of the most polarizing and controversial topics of discussion in The Bahamas. Consequently, the case can be put forward that there is not one problem in Bahamian society that is not linked back to the Government or the Church. This reality is reflected in how we link almost all matters to the Government and the tens of thousands of Bahamians that attend church on a weekly basis and the hundreds of thousands that attend on special occasions including New Years', Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most matrimonial ceremonies are still by and large religious and Bahamians still adopt the practice of christenings and baptisms for their children.

An engaged populace
In politics, The Bahamas can boast of above-average participation in general elections with more than 80% of eligible voters registering to vote and more than 80 percent of that number casting their ballots in general elections. We are a people that are engaged and in tune with occurrences within the political landscape as displayed in newspaper headlines, talk shows, family functions and social settings.

This aspect of our culture is not unconnected to the relatively small size of our nation with a population of no more than 400,000 people. It is often said that everyone knows everyone or knows someone who knows someone. Hence, it is easy to link an individual back to an island, a high school, a church, a family name or even a social club. This reality creates a perfect environment for ills such as cronyism, nepotism or the more accepted colloquial terminology of 'friends, family and lovers'. Whether this assertion or accusation is merely perception or reality lies in the mind of the objective person who may sometimes take a subjective point of view.

Friends, family and lovers (FFL)
The question arises as to whether politicians are fairly judged for perpetrating and perpetuating the 'friends, family and lovers' syndrome. After all, this assertion is also levied against religious leaders who head churches and appoint family members and friends in leadership positions. In other instances, there is a perception that certain individuals benefit because of past affiliations, networking experiences, high school, fraternities and sororities, lodges, old boys' networks, political or church connections. In this instance, it is difficult to draw the line between networking advantages which is socially acceptable and cronyism and nepotism which is frowned upon.

There is however a reality on the ground in the world of Bahamian politics that certain government administrations cater more to their supporters and provide their loyal supporters with exclusive access to the proverbial national pie over and above others. While a case can be made that new administrations want the right people in place to advance their policies and ideologies with little to no unreasonable interference, it is concerning that a Bahamian would seek to sabotage their own government while in some instances the appointed individuals are not qualified or motivated to do the job. The result of this practice is shown in the level of inefficiency and non-productivity within the public sector.

Is Peter better than Paul?
As we get deeper into the silly political season, we must be careful of the empty promises and political rhetoric of persons pursuing power. As the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and Free National Movement (FNM) have played political musical chairs with the Bahamian people over the last few decades, one thing is certain: the more things change, the more they remain the same. Supporters of these political parties have benefitted from government contracts depending on which party is in office while followers of the opposition party are forced to endure suffering in the political wilderness for five years.

The phenomenon goes beyond contracts to civil service jobs, promotions and other government appointed posts.
As a small nation, many opine that the practice of favoring party loyalists and punishing non-supporters is expected and acceptable. This writer submits that this is repugnant and an impediment to national development. Every Bahamian should have a fair chance to be all that they can be if they are competent, qualified and prepared to work hard. On the contrary, we have created a culture of favoritism that has divided our people along political party lines. This may provide some insight into the election cycles over the last 20 years.

The supporters' motivation
When will we see greater disclosure and openness in the awarding of contracts, jobs and public private partnership agreements insofar as the delivery of public goods and services to the Bahamian people are concerned? In the current cycle of FNM in, PLP out and PLP in, FNM out, one wonders what motivates their loyal supporters to keep or vote them into office? Are the supporters of the two major parties truly motivated to seek or maintain political office for their respective political parties due to the fact that they are convinced that their party of choice is the premier option to advance the best interest of the people and the nation? On the contrary, are the blind supporters of political parties driven by their own personal interest over that of our Bahamaland?

We must look within to determine from whence our inspiration is drawn; is it our hearts, our pockets or quest for power and notoriety? Are we guided by love of self or love of country? Do the all-season supporters of the PLP/FNM look beyond themselves - their pockets and their stomachs with a strong motivation to maintain the perks and benefits of contracts, consultant or politically appointed posts as well as secure government jobs down to the third and fourth generations for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren? Who is in this for The Bahamas?

Who will truly make the shift?
Regrettably, what we see is the chickens coming home to roost. The predators within the political system and organizations have preyed on a broken system of governance. A political environment with questionable rules, policies and procedures.

An order with little regard or consideration for due process, transparency and accountability. This has fostered a culture of greed among political cronies and a corresponding increase in poverty to the exclusion of the masses. It is no longer unusual to identify political cronies with multiple benefits who possess a civil service job or consultancy contract, side contracts for repairs, maintenance and upkeep of buildings, roads or other public spaces while many stand in line for one benefit. Will the children of non-supporters of the government of the day or political parties ever get to eat in their own country?

It is worth stating however, that this matter is magnified in an environment where the economy is not growing and the government views itself as the main catalyst for economic activity, thereby reducing its citizens to a dependency on government jobs, contracts and favors. Needless to say, the Bahamian people have grown weary of political shenanigans and orchestrated baloney packaged in platforms, manifestos and talking points. What we now desire is real commitment to the 242 and a new breed who are not set in their ways.

The question on the lips of many Bahamians is: which political party or group of leaders will make this bold shift to truly bring equity, justice, meritocracy, transparency and accountability to the people? When will we ditch the FFL religion in favor of the aquamarine, gold and black? Patriotic Bahamians will like to know.

o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.

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