By: Staff Writer
May 15, 2026
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in The Bahamas, led by Prime Minister Philip Davis, wins consecutive term in office winning 33 seats to the Opposition Free National Movement’s (FNM) 8 seats in the house of parliament.
A poll was not due to be called until October, but Davis decided to call an early election to get ahead of the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, an official in the Office of the Prime Minister said.
“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.”
The win marks the first time since 1997 that a political party in the Bahamas has won a general election twice in a row.
Davis is therefore on track to become the first prime minister to retain his post for a consecutive term in nearly three decades. Hubert Ingraham of the Free National Movement (FNM) was the last prime minister to pull off the feat.
It is unclear, however, if the current opposition leader, Michael Pintard of the Free National Movement, will step down after his loss on Tuesday. Pintard conceded his party’s defeat in a phone call to Davis.
“The Bahamian people made their choice,” Pintard told supporters. “In a democracy, that is the only voice that ultimately matters.”
Pintard has nevertheless retained his seat in Parliament, representing the constituency of Marco City.
The snap election was the second time in a row that a vote had been called early.
Davis said that it will take time before the final official numbers come in, but it is clear that a fair number of Bahamians chose not to exercise their right to vote.
The PRD had said that a record 209,264 people had been registered to vote for the 138 candidates and Davis said that in the region and around the world, participation in elections is declining.
“So this is not good, and this is not good for the democratic fabric of our society. We must do all that we can to ensure that every Bahamian in every election feels that their vote counts.
“My friends, it takes a village to bring us to this moment. We have so many to thank. First of all, to God be the glory. Let us give thanks to Almighty God for all the great things he has done”.
He also thanked his constituents as well as the PLP “family” adding that he had received a phone call from the FNM leader congratulating him on the victory.
“I thanked him for his graciousness in doing so. It takes courage to put your name on the ballot. It is easier to sit on the sidelines and criticise than it is to climb into the arena yourself. So I’d like to say to every candidate of every party, your participation in the process made our democracy stronger.
“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 as I’ve sought to do these past years.
“Tonight is a political victory, but truly, this is truly a victory for the whole country,” Davis said, adding that “for the first time in almost a generation, we have a historic opportunity.
“Let us make the most of it. I will begin our second term as I began the first, with a humble spirit and with a heart full of gratitude. Thank you for your trust and faith in me. I will not let you down. I will not let you down.”