On September 16, Prime Minister Philip Davis and his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) won the early general election, according to results released on the evening of September 16. Davis addressed supporters in the capital, Nassau.
“To the Bahamians who voted today but did not vote for us, I want you to know that I have listened, I have heard you, and I will continue to work hard for all Bahamians,” Davis said.
This victory marks the first time since 1997 that a political party in the Bahamas has won two consecutive general elections. Davis becomes the first prime minister to retain the office for a successive term in nearly three decades. Hubert Ingraham of the Free National Movement (FNM) was the last prime minister to achieve this.
Preliminary vote counts indicate the PLP will win more than 30 of the 41 seats in the Bahamas House of Assembly, up from 32 of the previous 39 seats. Two new constituencies, St James and the Berry Islands, were established, raising the total from 39 to 41 seats.
Opposition leader Michael Pintard of the FNM conceded defeat in a phone call to Davis. “The Bahamian people have made their choice,” Pintard told supporters. “In a democracy, that is the only voice that ultimately matters.” Pintard retained his own seat in Parliament, representing Marco City.
This early election is the second consecutive early poll. The previous election in 2021 was also held in September. According to officials, this year's election was held early to avoid disruption from the Atlantic hurricane season in October.
Key issues dominating the election included the cost of living, housing, crime, immigration, and access to healthcare. Close to the election, Davis proposed removing value-added tax on groceries, though critics argued it was insufficient to ease the financial burden on citizens.
