NASSAU, Bahamas — The Progressive Liberal Party ratified 13 candidates for the next general election Tuesday night – including Senator Dr Michael Darville in the Tall Pines constituency, but not long-time representative Leslie Miller, The Tribune reported on Wednesday, March 17.
Though Dr Darville’s ratification was expected, it will prompt questions about Mr Miller’s political future given the public campaign he waged for the nomination.
Mr Miller, who did not answer calls seeking comment yesterday, has repeatedly said he would run as an independent candidate if the PLP denies him a nomination.
“No one can stop me from running,” he said last month. “Who is going to stop me? I am with my people and they are with me and that’s all I can tell you. If I was to run independent, I will win.”
PLP officials, nonetheless, have been expressing increasing confidence that an independent run from the outspoken politician will be prevented, with some noting Mr Miller enjoys a strong relationship with Dr Darville.
Tuesday’s ratification exercise resembled pre-pandemic political events, with hundreds gathering at the Faith United Missionary Church off Baillou Hill Road, often with little social distancing.
The event came as both major political parties face criticism about their adherence to COVID-19 rules.
In addition to Dr Darville, the ratified candidates included the four incumbents: party leader Philip “Brave” Davis in Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, deputy leader Chester Cooper in Exuma, Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin and Golden Isles MP Vaughn Miller, who left the Free National Movement last year and joined the PLP.
The candidates ratified last night also included former ZNS anchor Chris Saunders in St Anne’s, Kirk Cornish in North Abaco, Myles Laroda in Pinewood, Pia Glover-Rolle in Golden Gates, Sylvanus Petty in North Eleuthera, Lisa Rahming in Marathon, Leroy Major in Southern Shores and Clay Sweeting in South Eleuthera. See complete Tribune article at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2021/mar/17/plp-ratifies-13-candidates-dr-michael-darville-run/
