Christie chooses retirement after Bahamas election loss

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie has resigned as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) with immediate effect following his party’s devastating election defeat.

Christie made the announcement late last night when he addressed the party’s National General Council.

The move follows the election of Free National Movement, who won 35 seats. The PLP only picked up four, and the next day Hubert Minnis was sworn in as prime minister. Among the casualties of the night was a personal one for Christie, who was toppled in the Centreville constituency he had represented for 40 years.

Results were so close that a recount was needed, but this couldn’t save Chirstie – he lost to Reece Chipman by just four votes.

The former prime minister told party members he has tried his best.

“As your leader I accept full responsibility for our party’s defeat – it is for me to bid you fear well as your leader,” he said.

The time has come for me to move on. I wish to God that I could have helped more people… I tried my best.”

'Veteran of eight elections’

Christie assured those at the National General Council that the PLP could become a political force again, referencing the election victories in 1967 and 2002.

The retirement of the seasoned statesman had been widely expected since the recent general election loss.

Christie, 73, has been in politics since 1974, when he was a senator.

After receiving the PLP nomination for Centreville in 1977 he went on to win eight consecutive elections.

SEE ALSO: FOUR VOTES: Former Bahamas PM loses seat after recount