Davis, PLP reelected in Bahamas landslide election victory
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis and his ruling Progressive Liberal Get together (PLP) secured reelection Tuesday in a sweeping election victory, making Davis the primary Bahamian chief in almost 30 years to win a second consecutive time period in workplace.
“The Bahamian folks have spoken, and I obtain their verdict with humility and gratitude,” Davis informed Reuters following the outcomes.
“This victory is a mandate to maintain transferring the Bahamas ahead, to increase alternative, strengthen safety, ease the strain on households, and ship progress throughout our islands,” he added.
Davis known as the overall election months forward of schedule, with polls initially not due till October. An official within the prime minister’s workplace stated the early election was meant to keep away from potential disruptions from the Atlantic hurricane season.
The PLP was projected to win greater than 30 of the 41 seats in Parliament as counting continued late Tuesday evening. Previous to the election, the occasion held 32 of the 39 seats within the Home of Meeting. Two extra constituencies have been added following suggestions from the nation’s unbiased constituencies fee, and the PLP captured each new seats.
The opposition Free Nationwide Motion (FNM), led by Michael Pintard, was heading in the right direction to win solely eight seats. Pintard confirmed that each the occasion’s chairman and deputy chief misplaced their races.
Among the many defeated candidates was former NBA star Rick Fox, who ran because the FNM candidate for the Backyard Hills constituency. Fox misplaced to incumbent Mario Bowleg, the previous minister chargeable for youth, sports activities and tradition.
“King Kong ain’t obtained nothing on me,” Bowleg declared after his victory was introduced.
Fox didn’t instantly touch upon the consequence.
PLP deputy chief Chester Cooper and Pintard each retained their parliamentary seats.
Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, who led the nation till his 2021 defeat to Davis, additionally suffered a serious setback. Minnis did not reclaim the constituency he had represented for almost 20 years after launching an unbiased bid when the FNM declined to ratify him as its candidate. The seat was gained by FNM candidate Michela Barnett-Ellis.
The election marketing campaign unfolded towards rising public issues over the price of dwelling, together with rising housing prices and stagnant wages. The Worldwide Financial Fund famous in 2025 that whereas the federal government had taken steps to deal with housing shortages, extra public funding in housing was nonetheless wanted.
Within the months main as much as the vote, Davis’ administration eliminated value-added tax on meals offered in grocery shops, although the opposition argued the measure would offer restricted aid for peculiar Bahamians.
Housing affordability stays a major challenge throughout the nation regardless of efforts by successive PLP and FNM administrations to increase entry to housing.