More and more, conversations of a Bahamian political scene without Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie at the forefront, are popping up. Both men were entrenched in their leadership roles respectively of the Free National Movement and the Progressive Liberal Party going into 2009, with no signs of a shift away from their power bases. The conventions of late 2009 though, gave an indication that a new era in Bahamian politics could be dawning.

First, Phillip "Brave" Davis stormed to the deputy leadership position of the PLP with Mr. Christie not a factor at all. Traditionally in The Bahamas, party leaders have influenced in some way, big party election battles, certainly one as important as the No.2 position. Davis though, put his very own campaign program together and steamrolled over prominent party figures like Obie Wilchcombe and Dr. Bernard Nottage. The scenario was much different from the last big deputy leadership fight in the PLP.

On that occasion, Christie with strong support from the late Sir Lynden Pindling, overcame Dr. Nottage. Christie didn't matter in the deputy race of 2009. He had his own opponent to deal with for the leadership spot. He won handily but, there clearly appeared afterwards to be a chink in Christie's political armour.

On the other hand, Ingraham was most influential in what happened at the FNM convention. However the heavy-handed way in which the chairmanship situation unfolded left a goodly number with a bitter taste in their mouths. It seemed, whether only perceived, or real, there was a great intimidation factor.

Then, there was the by-election in the Elizabeth Constituency. The prime faces of the election were Ingraham and Christie, and not the candidates Dr. Duane Sands (FNM) and Ryan Pinder (PLP). Almost 2,000 voters ignored the process despite the hype, the food and the social climate of the election campaign. With all the machinery of the government in place, FNM candidate Dr. Sands ended up after the final count, just two votes ahead and the election went to court.

There does seem to be a gradual a change in how Ingraham and Christie are being perceived.

More and more, Bahamians are pondering and searching for leadership options.

What is very healthy for The Bahamas, is that on both sides of the political divide, quality individuals have surfaced. They are a different kind of a political breed.

Davis has been around for a rather long time, but he brings a freshness to the PLP, nevertheless. He is not eloquent like Christie but there is a wholesomeness about him that has endeared the Cat Island MP to many within the PLP family and some others across the party line. His challenge during the height of the economic depression to parliamentary colleagues to agree for a salary cut spoke volumes to his compassion for the Bahamian people. He got no support, but the people of The Bahamas know that he made the offer.

The refreshing look within the PLP continues in the upper house with Senator Jerome Fitzgerald. He also is a man for the people and seems to have an agenda for little else politically but that which is beneficial to and for the Bahamian people. PLPs and FNMs respect this man.

On the FNM side there are bright new breed politicians like Branville McCartney, Desmond Bannister and Byran Woodside. McCartney's bold decision to resign from a Hubert Ingraham Cabinet on his very own, was courageous. He is indeed the kind of hardworking, intelligent, well-meaning, fearless politician the Bahamian people would do well to lean on at this critical time in our history. The truth is, Bahamians from all persuasions are enthused about McCartney. Bannister, Woodside and others on the government side demonstrate regularly that they are of a very special ilk. The presence of the new breed politicans in the mix is heartening for many Bahamians.

And, the strength of conviction among candidates from parties other than the FNM and the PLP during the Elizabeth Constituency by-election was also a positive political development for the country.

Yes, the signs are clear. There are several good reasons to feel that we (the nation) will be in good hands when Ingraham and Christie have moved aside.