The Bahamas has re-elected Prime Minister Philip Davis and his ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), marking the country's first consecutive second term for a leader in nearly three decades.
Historic Victory
"The Bahamian people have spoken, and I receive their verdict with humility and gratitude," Davis told Reuters. "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."
An official from Davis's office confirmed that the early election was called strategically to precede the Atlantic hurricane season, despite a scheduled poll not being due until October.
Election Context
The September 2021 election that brought Davis to power was also called early, marking the first time in nearly 25 years that Bahamians voted outside the traditional month of May.
Davis's party was projected to win over 30 of the 41 parliamentary seats, having previously held 32 of 39 seats before the constituencies commission recommended creating two new constituencies. The PLP secured both new seats.
Opposition leader Michael Pintard's Free National Movement (FNM) was on track for only eight seats, with both the party's chair and deputy leader losing their races.
Notable Defeats
Rick Fox, a three-time NBA champion running for the FNM in Garden Hills, lost to incumbent Mario Bowleg. "King Kong ain't got nothing on me," Bowleg remarked after the results. Fox did not respond to a request for comment.
Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, who served until his 2021 defeat by Davis, failed to retain the seat he held for nearly 20 years after launching an independent bid following the FNM's refusal to ratify him. The seat went to the FNM's Michela Barnett-Ellis.
Key Issues
Voters were primarily concerned with affordability, including rising housing costs and stagnant wages. The International Monetary Fund highlighted these issues in 2025, noting that while the government had taken steps to alleviate housing shortages, additional public spending on housing was still needed.
Months before the election, Davis removed value-added tax from grocery store food items, a move the opposition argued would have minimal impact. Housing remains a persistent challenge despite efforts by both recent FNM and PLP administrations to improve accessibility and options.
