With election fever in the air and politicians selling promises like candy to voters it is natural for people to get wrapped up in the "festivities of the season". While elections are an important occasion in Bahamian society, ministers of the word say it is imperative that voters and politicians navigate through these times cautiously and always keep God at the forefront of their minds.

 New Covenant Baptist Church senior pastor, Bishop Simeon Hall, said this is not the time to take things lightly, or to blindly vote for political parties. He commends the different governments for good work over the years and wants the voting public to remember that the time has passed when voting for a party alone had any merit, due to the number of new faces on all sides of the political arena.

 "Most ministers or candidates today seem to be relying on the reputation of their party to get into leadership roles rather than lean on anything they have done personally that would make them worthy to be leaders," said Bishop Hall. "Even when one observes the present political landscape, the performances of some sitting members of Parliament (MP) leave much to be desired

 Many of those who aspire to become MPs in my opinion, are shallow and without much substance. Too many who now wish to become MPs have no social service record. Indeed, there are some who were not known for doing anything in the community before their names were announced." The Baptist minister said there is a perception in The Bahamas that the quickest way to get rich is to become an MP. 

 But he said the voting public should turn to people seeking to be elected with good records of service to the community to be the good political candidates the country needs. Bishop Hall believes the voters of the day should take into consideration the multitude of problems the country has and elect people who will have answers.

He encourages all eligible Bahamians to exercise their right to vote when the date is set, and allow others to freely do the same. Whether their neighbor agrees with their political views or not, Hall said they should not let that difference disturb any friendships or love they may share between each other.

 

 

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