Bahamas moves closer to general election as Parliament prorogued

The countdown to a general election in The Bahamas has effectively begun after Prime Minister Philip Davis announced Friday that Parliament has been prorogued, ending the current legislative session and signaling that dissolution — and an election — could come at any moment.

In a national address delivered outside the Office of the Prime Minister, Davis confirmed he had advised the Governor-General under Article 66(1) of the Constitution, leading to the issuance of a proclamation to prorogue Parliament.

While the move concludes the current legislative session, Davis clarified that he has not yet advised dissolution, though he indicated that the country is very close to that next step.

“I am very close to ringing the bell,” Davis said, signaling that the formal start of the election period could be imminent.

The Prime Minister also issued a blunt message to voters, urging them to ensure they are properly registered before the election is called. He warned that once the election bell is rung, those who are not registered will be unable to vote.

Davis encouraged citizens not to wait, calling on eligible voters to register immediately, while urging those who have moved to transfer their registration. He also appealed to first-time voters to sign up without delay.

Emphasizing the urgency, Davis called on Bahamians to ensure they are registered, transferred, and verified before Easter, describing the moment as a pivotal one for the country’s democracy.

Despite the approaching election and expected political tensions, the Prime Minister struck a unifying tone, noting that beneath party divisions lies a shared national identity and expressing confidence in the country’s future.

The prorogation of Parliament represents a key constitutional step that places the country just one move away from dissolution, which will officially trigger the general election process.