The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) won no seats in Monday's general election, but made history by garnering the most votes ever for a third party in The Bahamas.
And fared so well in some races, that had the number of votes cast for the DNA gone to the Free National Movement (FNM) in at least a dozen races, the outcome of the general election would have been much different.
The DNA got 13,186 votes of the 155,804 votes cast, which accounts for 8.4 percent of the overall vote.
While that number pales in comparison to the 75,806 votes cast for the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), and the 65,518 votes cast for the FNM, it more than covers the 10,288 votes that decided the winner and the runner up.
For example, in Mount Moriah, DNA candidate Wayne Munroe received 471 votes. However, PLP MP elect for Mount Moriah Arnold Forbes beat FNM incumbent Tommy Turnquest by just 250 votes.
In Bamboo Town, DNA Leader Branville McCartney got 1,022 votes. However, PLP MP elect Renward Wells only beat FNM candidate Cassius Stuart by 279 votes.
A similar situation occurred in Fort Charlotte where DNA candidate Mark Humes got 519 votes. However, PLP MP elect Dr. Andre Rollins beat FNM candidate and former Minster of State for Finance Zhivargo Laing by 152 votes.
In Carmichael, the DNA's Theofanis Cochinamogulos received 527 votes, while the PLP's Dr. Danny Johnson beat the FNM's Darron Cash by only 94 votes.
Similar situations exist in Elizabeth, Garden Hills, Golden Isles, Marathon, Sea Breeze, South Beach, Southern Shores, Marco City and North Andros.
However, in several constituencies, if DNA votes were cast instead for the FNM, the outcomes would have been the same.
In Centreville, PLP Leader and Prime Minister Perry Christie, won by 1,349 votes; DNA candidate Celi Moss got 302 votes.
In Englerston, PLP Glenys Hanna-Martin faced six opponents and still won by 1,386 votes; DNA candidate Emmanuel Jacques got 219 votes.
Returning Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell beat FNM candidate Shonel Ferguson by 877 votes; DNA candidate Kendal Smith got 351 votes.
Returning Golden Gates MP Shane Gibson beat FNM candidate Winsome Miller by 1,275 votes; DNA candidate Allsworth Pickstock got 435 votes.
A record 172,130 Bahamians were registered to vote.

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