PLP SETTLES INTO SECOND TERM AFTER BAHAMAS ELECTION

In the Bahamas, the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) of Prime Minister Philip Davis is settling into a second consecutive term in office following victory in the May 12th general election. The snap poll, six months ahead of the due date in October, saw the PLP winning 33 of the 41 seats in the House of Assembly, one more than in the previous term. The other eight were picked up by the main opposition Free National Movement (FNM).

The PLP’s second-term win is the first time a Bahamian political party has won two consecutive general elections since 1997.

Returning Prime Minister Philip Davis stated: “To Bahamians who voted today, but did not vote for us, I want you to know I’ve listened to you, I’ve heard you, and I want you to know that I will continue to work hard for all Bahamians.”

Opposition FNM leader Michael Pintard was magnanimous in defeat, saying: “The Bahamian people made their choice, in a democracy that is the only voice that ultimately matters.”

The PLP is reported to have called the election early to avoid the hurricane season. Memories are still fresh in the country from the devastating direct hit by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and Hurricane Melissa last year. Dorian was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded and the strongest to ever hit the Bahamas.

This year’s election was contested mainly around issues pertaining to the economy, with the cost of living and housing among the main platform issues. On the foreign policy front, balancing relations with the United States and China was a key talking point.

A low voter turnout of 58 per cent has been noted as a point of concern for the country’s election managers and independent external observers.

Also noteworthy coming out of last Tuesday’s election was the defeat of former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, who had also lost the 2021 election as leader of the FNM. This year, he lost his seat and will be out of the House of Assembly for the first time in about 20 years. The former Bahamian leader ran as an independent after his party, the FNM, refused to include him in their list of candidates.