Bahamas PM announces May 12 general election, Parliament to be dissolved April 8

Prime Minister Philip Davis has announced that The Bahamas will hold its next general election on May 12, 2026, officially launching the next phase of the country’s democratic process.

In a statement issued April 1, Davis said he will advise the Governor General of The Bahamas to dissolve Parliament on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in accordance with Article 66(2) of the Constitution. Writs of Election will then be issued the following day, Thursday, April 9, under Article 67(1), formally setting the stage for the national vote.

The Prime Minister also reminded voters that those holding valid purple voter identification cards do not need to register again.

“I also wish to remind the public that if you currently hold a valid purple voter’s card, your registration remains valid and there is no need to register again. The law provides that if you are on the current register of voters, you are entitled to vote,” Davis said.

However, he urged first-time voters and those needing to update their information to act quickly, noting that the voter registration deadline coincides with the dissolution of Parliament.

“If you are registering for the first time, if you have moved and need to transfer, or if you need to verify your information, I encourage you to do so without delay,” he said. “Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, the register of voters for the general election closes at the end of Wednesday, 8 April 2026.”

With the Writs of Election scheduled for April 9, Davis emphasized that April 8 represents the statutory cutoff for voter registration and transfers.

As the election season begins, the Prime Minister called for unity and civility across political lines.

“As we move through this election season, I ask every Bahamian to remember one simple truth: wherever we may fall politically, we all love this country. Long after the campaign is over, we will still be one people, sharing one home, with one future to build together,” Davis said.

He also encouraged citizens to participate actively in the democratic process.

“I encourage every eligible Bahamian to take part in this process with seriousness, respect, and faith in our democracy.”