About the movement
The Coalition of Independents was formed to move The Bahamas from corruption, dependency and exclusion toward a nation of informed citizens, independent leaders and Bahamian owners standing together.
What is a coalition?
A coalition is the joining together of political organisations and independent candidates around a shared goal. The COI exists to help Bahamians benefit from their country, Constitution, legislation and natural resources.
We believe public power belongs to the people. Our task is to become responsible gatekeepers for Bahamian opportunity and to build institutions that are transparent, accountable and capable of delivering national progress.
Our story
The story begins with Bahamian Evolution: a civic-education and advocacy movement that developed into a national political organisation.
Bahamian Evolution used documentaries, community discussion and public advocacy to make natural-resource policy easier for citizens to engage with. Its programmes focused on sand and aragonite, land, oil and the broader question of how national assets should serve Bahamians.
COI's historical account says the movement drafted proposals, supported efforts to place natural-resource legislation before Parliament and sought commissions of inquiry. Those are presented here as the movement's documented advocacy—not as findings by an official inquiry.
The move into electoral politics did not end the education work. COI has continued town halls, demonstrations, public commentary and weekly broadcasting, giving Bahamians direct access to the movement's arguments and policy proposals.
Lincoln Bain, Charlotte Green and Cara Ellis co-founded Bahamian Evolution. Through documentaries and public education, the movement asked how Bahamians could better understand, protect and benefit from the country's natural resources.
The movement organised demonstrations and, according to its own historical account, advocated legislative changes concerning natural resources, supported efforts to table proposals in Parliament and called for commissions of inquiry.
Independent candidates and political organisers joined around a common mission, selected the Coalition of Independents name and formally launched the organisation.
Only months after launch, COI contested 32 of 39 constituencies. Parliamentary Registration Department figures reported by Eye Witness News show 7,852 votes—6.2% of votes cast—and a finish ahead of the longer-established DNA.
COI continued public demonstrations on national issues. Independent reporting documented the arrests and subsequent charges of Bain and supporters connected with demonstrations outside Parliament and ahead of the 2023 CARICOM meeting.
COI received more than 17,000 votes nationwide, a historic third-party performance in contemporary reporting, but did not win a constituency. It finished ahead of the FNM in Pinewood (Lincoln Bain 1,137; FNM 986) and Englerston (Faith Percentie 383; FNM 349); the PLP won both seats.
Town halls, community organising and the regular Lincoln Bain Live broadcast—Sundays at 5 PM across social platforms—continue the movement's emphasis on direct public communication.
COI's own history and documentary archive describe the movement's formation and advocacy. Election figures and arrests are cross-checked against independent reporting. Links are provided so readers can review the record directly.
National leadership
Leadership is measured by courage, record, accountability and a willingness to stand with citizens when it matters.
A political and social activist committed to Bahamian ownership, natural-resource justice and power returned to the people.
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A former dental professional who brings care, precision and a community-first perspective to public service.
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A co-founder of Bahamian Evolution and the COI, and a champion of justice and empowerment for Bahamians.
Read biographyMember committees
Active members help research policy, organise campaigns, expand outreach, raise resources and communicate the mission.
Register your interestDevelop and refine policy grounded in evidence and the needs of the Bahamian people.
Plan, organise and execute constituency and national election campaigns.
Grow the party and build strong, inclusive relationships in communities.
Support responsible financial management and sustainable fundraising.
Build a clear, consistent public voice across media and digital platforms.
Create member-development, civic-education and public-learning programmes.
