The Bahamas - Political parties

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), a leader in the proindependence movement, emerged as the Bahamas' majority party in the early 1970s. The Free Progressive Liberal Party, a splinter group formed in 1970, merged with another opposition group, the United Bahamian Party, to form the Free National Movement (FNM). After years of loyal opposition, the FNM took power in 1992, winning 32 seats, to 17 for the PLP. In the 1997 elections, the FNM increased its majority to 34 seats, and another seat was added in a by-election later the same year. Meanwhile PLP representation in the House dwindled to six seats, and Lynden Pindling resigned as party leader. In 2002, under the leadership of Perry Christie, the PLP won 50.8% of the vote and 29 seats in the 40-member legislature, enough to command majority control.