Former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said he believes the Free National Movement (FNM) is "still a viable party" for the 2017 general election, despite the number of party members who have opted not to seek renomination or those who have ended their candidacy.

Amid claims of a "failing Christie adminstration" that "lacks accountability and transparency", many, including top FNMs, have called for new governance.

As election season gets underway, it has been said that the party is "in shambles" and that it is "too divided to lead the country".

Despite this, Symonette suggests his party still stands a chance of beating the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

"I think the FNM is a viable solution notwithstanding what you read here that this one is not running and this one doesn't want to run, and this one is running and this thing and that thing," said Symonette when asked about the state of the party.

"That's usually [in the] mid-term.

"And don't for one minute think that the PLP does not have their difficulties," he added.

Doubts about the FNM's ability to lead come weeks after its contentious July convention.

Asked if he believes those fed up with the PLP will seek refuge in the FNM despite the internal party bickering, Symonette said, "They have more problems than the FNM".

"They can't even run a country, let alone run their own party.

"Notwithstanding, [Progressive Liberal Party Chairman] Bradley Roberts keeps spouting off in the newspapers.

"They have their problems. The country has been downgraded. The economy is going nowhere.

"They're saying the murder rate is down and no one believes that.

"There is a feeling and a perception that crime is high. People are scared to go out at night.

"Everything points to the fact that the economy is not going well.

"People are losing their jobs. They can't afford to live.

"So, that's good enough reason, if nothing else, to get rid of [Prime Minister Perry] Christie and his group."

Symonette's comments come a day after Howard Johnson announced the withdrawal of his candidacy as the standard bearer for South Beach in the 2017 general election.

Last month, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant and Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins confirmed they would not be seeking renomination.

North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly also recently announced his decision not to run for re-election.

And on Tuesday, former FNM candidate for Bains Town and Grants Town Leonard Sands bowed out of the race.

Jayme C. Pinder, Guardian Staff Reporter

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