When political parties lose elections the spotlight is always on the leader. In the case of the Free National Movement (FNM) after the 2012 general election Hubert Ingraham, the leader at the time, resigned. He had been in frontline politics from the 1970s and won three mandates. It was time for Ingraham to move on.
Dr. Hubert Minnis was elected his successor. And, as has been said before, things have not gone as expected for the doctor. He is a hard worker and a successful man. But in politics leaders must inspire. People must want to follow if the leader is to be successful. Minnis lacks the nebulous "it" factor that is hard to define but easy to identify when present.
The opposition leader's troops do not en masse think he can win a general election. Hence, they are looking around at other candidates - looking seriously. Loretta Butler-Turner, Minnis' deputy, and Dr. Duane Sands have all but stepped forward as challengers to the party leader. Others may show interest too before a race is called.
The FNM should embrace this moment to show to the country the full range of talent it has at hand. Sometimes parties and their members shy away from leadership races because of the political savagery in the process. This would be a mistake.
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is in a poor way. Its grandiose promises from the 2012 campaign have not been lived up to. Crime is still a problem. Joblessness is still a problem. And, a large tax increase is being proposed.
The people are looking for something else now. Despite falling out of love with the Ingraham FNM in 2012, they are willing to take a new look at a new FNM with a new leader because things are not as they want them to be.
A leadership fight in the FNM would situate the focus of the country on the party and the people it is bringing forward. Out of that race the new leader - assuming Minnis is not reelected - would have momentum.
We have had two consecutive one-term governments. Ingraham and the FNM came back in 2007 and so did Christie and the PLP in 2012. FNMs should not dismay over the party's last loss.
Finding the right leader for the fight to come should be the priority for the party at this time. Once that is done now there will be time for the wounds inflicted on the battlefield to heal. The party should then be well-placed to challenge a governing party that is underachieving.
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