The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Election Observation Mission (CEOM) has reported that The Bahamas’ 2026 general election was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, according to its preliminary statement released on May 14.
General elections were held in The Bahamas on May 12. Incumbent Prime Minister Philip Davis and his ruling Progressive Liberal Party were re-elected to a second term. Davis was the first incumbent Bahamian leader to secure re-election since 1997. Preliminary results showed the PLP winning 33 of 41 seats, nearly matching the results in 2021.
The mission, deployed at the invitation of Governor-General Dame Cynthia A. Pratt, observed election-day activities across New Providence and Grand Bahama, covering 22 constituencies and 317 polling divisions.
Members of the nine-person team, drawn from CARICOM Member States including CARICOM countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, Haiti and Saint Lucia, were in The Bahamas from May 5 to May 15. They were supported by staff from the CARICOM Secretariat.
On election day, observers monitored the opening of polls, voting process, closing procedures and ballot counting. The mission reported adequate police presence at polling stations, timely delivery of materials in most cases, and generally well-trained polling staff. It also noted that party agents were present throughout the process.
While a few polling divisions experienced minor delays in opening, the mission said these did not significantly affect the overall voting process. It also observed that voters were able to cast ballots “in a peaceful and orderly manner” across all visited locations.
During pre-election consultations, the mission met with senior political leaders, including Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Opposition Leader Michael Pintard of the Free National Movement (FNM), and other stakeholders such as election officials, civil society groups, youth organizations and media representatives.
Stakeholders raised concerns about several issues, including the integrity of the voters’ register, logistical challenges in advanced polling, campaign financing, voter education, and the independence of electoral bodies.
Despite these concerns, the CEOM said election-day operations were largely well managed, with observers satisfied that procedures for voting, ballot counting and results tabulation were properly followed.
“The CEOM considers the results of the 2026 elections to be in keeping with the will of the people of The Bahamas,” the statement said.
The mission commended polling staff, security forces and election officials for their professionalism, and praised voters and party agents for their orderly conduct.
A final report with detailed findings and recommendations will be submitted to the CARICOM Secretary-General in the coming weeks.
