Bahamas
Election results
Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections
Background
Election date(s)
The date when elections started and ended for directly or indirectly elected parliaments/chambers. The date of appointments for appointed parliaments/chambers.
16.09.2021
Date of dissolution of the outgoing legislature
Date at which the previous legislature (elected at the previous elections) was dissolved.
19.08.2021
Timing of election
Timing of election: Upon normal expiry; Early elections; Delayed elections
Early election
Number of seats at stake
Number of seats contested at the elections. Where the parliament/chamber is fully renewed, this number is usually identical to the statutory number of members. Where the parliament/chamber is partially renewed or appointed, the number of seats at stake is usually less than the total number of members.
39
Scope of elections
Scope of elections: Full renewal; Partial renewal.
Full renewal
Candidates
Total number of candidates
Total number of people who registered as candidates for election. Does not include people who stood as candidates to become "substitute members".
225
Number of parties contesting the election
This field may include either the number of parties contesting the election, or the number of coalitions/electoral alliance.
11
Voter turnout
Registration
Number of people registered to vote
194,526
Results
About the election
Short description of the context and results of the election.
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), now led by Mr. Philip Davis, regained power after four years in opposition, following early elections that were constitutionally due by May 2022. The PLP won 32 seats in the 39-member House of Assembly, thereby ousting Prime Minister Hubert Minnis’ Free National Movement (FNM). The 2021 elections were held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During campaigning, the major parties focused on measures to tackle the pandemic, and on the economy. The PLP also promised to reduce value-added tax and raise revenue by taxing the wealthiest. On 18 September, the Governor General, Sir Cornelius A. Smith, swore in Mr. Davis as the new Prime Minister.
On 6 October, the newly elected House of Assembly and the Senate (see note) convened for the opening session. For the first time in the history of the Bahamas, women preside in both chambers of parliament. The House of Assembly elected Ms. Patricia Deveaux (PLP) as its new Speaker, while the Senate is now led by Ms. Lashell Adderley. The opening session was held at Baha Mar (a mega-resort opened in 2017) instead of the capital Nassau so as to respect social distancing measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Note:
A 16-member upper chamber is appointed by the Governor General and is renewed after each general election to the House of Assembly.
On 6 October, the newly elected House of Assembly and the Senate (see note) convened for the opening session. For the first time in the history of the Bahamas, women preside in both chambers of parliament. The House of Assembly elected Ms. Patricia Deveaux (PLP) as its new Speaker, while the Senate is now led by Ms. Lashell Adderley. The opening session was held at Baha Mar (a mega-resort opened in 2017) instead of the capital Nassau so as to respect social distancing measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Note:
A 16-member upper chamber is appointed by the Governor General and is renewed after each general election to the House of Assembly.
Number of parties winning seats
The number of parties which won parliamentary representation in the given election.
2
Percentage of parties winning seats
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of parties which won parliamentary representation by the number of parties contesting the election.
18.18%
Percentage of seats won by largest party or coalition
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of seats won by the largest party by the number of seats at stake in the election.
82.05%
Alternation of power after elections
The results of the elections caused a change in the government. "Not applicable" to countries using the presidential system when parliamentary and presidential elections are held separately, to countries in political transition or where there is no party system.
Yes
Number of parties in government
The government may be formed by one or more political parties
1
Names of parties in government
The government may be formed by one or more political parties
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)
Parties or coalitions winning seats
| Political group | Total |
|---|---|
| Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) | 32 |
| Free National Movement (FNM) | 7 |
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
32
Number of women elected
7
Percentage of women elected
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women elected in the election and the number of seats at stake at the election.
17.95%
Sources
Permanent Mission of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to The United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva (20.10.2021)
https://www.elections.gov.bs
https://www.elections.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Notice-Results-of-General-Election-16-Sept-2...
https://www.elections.gov.bs/list-of-candidates-for-2021-general-election/
https://www.reuters.com
https://www.bahamas.gov.bs
https://thenassauguardian.com
https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/
https://www.elections.gov.bs
https://www.elections.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Notice-Results-of-General-Election-16-Sept-2...
https://www.elections.gov.bs/list-of-candidates-for-2021-general-election/
https://www.reuters.com
https://www.bahamas.gov.bs
https://thenassauguardian.com
https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/
Women Directly Elected
7
New legislature
Total number of men after the election
The total number of male parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
32
Total number of women after the election
The total number of female parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
7
Date of the first session
The date when the newly elected parliament/chamber was convened for the first time. It may be different from the date when members were sworn in.
06.10.2021
First Speaker of the new legislature
First Speaker of the new legislature
First name of the Speaker of the new legislature following the election or renewal.
Patricia
Deveaux
(Female)
Political party
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)
Date of election
06.10.2021