Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis and his ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) secured reelection Tuesday in a sweeping election victory, making Davis the first Bahamian leader in nearly 30 years to win a second consecutive term in office.
“The Bahamian people have spoken, and I receive their verdict with humility and gratitude,” Davis told Reuters following the results.
“This victory is a mandate to keep moving the Bahamas forward, to expand opportunity, strengthen security, ease the pressure on families, and deliver progress across our islands,” he added.
Davis called the general election months ahead of schedule, with polls originally not due until October. An official in the prime minister’s office said the early election was intended to avoid potential disruptions from the Atlantic hurricane season.
The PLP was projected to win more than 30 of the 41 seats in Parliament as counting continued late Tuesday night. Prior to the election, the party held 32 of the 39 seats in the House of Assembly. Two additional constituencies were added following recommendations from the country’s independent constituencies commission, and the PLP captured both new seats.
The opposition Free National Movement (FNM), led by Michael Pintard, was on course to win only eight seats. Pintard confirmed that both the party’s chairman and deputy leader lost their races.
Among the defeated candidates was former NBA star Rick Fox, who ran as the FNM candidate for the Garden Hills constituency. Fox lost to incumbent Mario Bowleg, the former minister responsible for youth, sports and culture.
“King Kong ain’t got nothing on me,” Bowleg declared after his victory was announced.
Fox did not immediately comment on the result.
PLP deputy leader Chester Cooper and Pintard both retained their parliamentary seats.
Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, who led the country until his 2021 defeat to Davis, also suffered a major setback. Minnis failed to reclaim the constituency he had represented for nearly two decades after launching an independent bid when the FNM declined to ratify him as its candidate. The seat was won by FNM candidate Michela Barnett-Ellis.
The election campaign unfolded against growing public concerns over the cost of living, including rising housing costs and stagnant wages. The International Monetary Fund noted in 2025 that while the government had taken steps to address housing shortages, additional public investment in housing was still needed.
In the months leading up to the vote, Davis’ administration removed value-added tax on food sold in grocery stores, though the opposition argued the measure would provide limited relief for ordinary Bahamians.
Housing affordability remains a significant issue across the country despite efforts by successive PLP and FNM administrations to expand access to housing.
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