We decided to share this article with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. The Nassau Guardian published this article by Candia Dames on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Candia Dames
Executive Editor
candia@nasguard.com
Philip Brave Davis yesterday became the first Bahamian prime minister in nearly 30 years to lead his party to a second consecutive win at the polls, securing another five-year mandate, and crushing the Free National Movement (FNM), which under its leader, Michael Pintard, had unconvincingly urged a national reset.
Davis and his PLP colleagues had appealed to voters to avoid changing the government once again, which they contended would have set back national development and progress.
Voting was peaceful across the country, and the chaotic scenes that played out during the April 30 advanced poll were not repeated yesterday.
Within an hour and a half after the close of the polls, the PLP victory became clear.
The unofficial results last night were showing the party with 33 seats. It is the first time since 1997 a party has won a consecutive election in The Bahamas.
The prime minister and the vast majority of his Cabinet ministers were re-elected. Wayne Munroe, who was national security minister, lost in Freetown.
The FNM secured eight seats — one more than it did in 2021: Michael Pintard (Marco City); Kwasi Thompson (East Grand Bahama); Leo Ferguson (MICAL); Lincoln Deal (Freetown); Frazette Gibson (Central Grand Bahama); Dr. Andre Rollins (Long Island); Adrian White (St. Anne’s) and Michela Barnett-Ellis (Killarney).
FNM Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright lost in St. James. Its chairman, Dr. Duane Sands, lost in Bamboo Town.
The Coalition of Independents (COI) had a strong showing compared to third parties in the past, with its leader, Lincoln Bain, at one point leading in Pinewood as the results came in. But when the count concluded, the PLP’s Myles LaRoda held the seat.
Former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, who ran as an independent in Killarney — a seat he had held since 2007 — was badly beaten.
At 11 p.m., a jubilant Prime Minister Davis mounted the stage at Clifford Park in Nassau as CeCe Winans’ “Goodness of God” blared, and announced that Pintard had called him to concede defeat not long before.
“I thanked him for his graciousness in doing so,” Davis said.
“It takes courage to put your name on the ballot. It is easier to sit on the sidelines and criticize 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.”
The prime minister declared, “The Bahamian people have made their choice. Today, the Bahamian people chose progress. Today, the Bahamian people chose to move forward — forward with our plans, forward with our team and forward with my leadership.
“For all your trust and faith in our vision, we thank you. We thank you for sharing our confidence that together we can continue to build a better Bahamas.
“I know that you voted today because you love our country. You voted because you believe that together we can make some of the big changes that will fufill the ambitions we share for our Bahamas.
“We all want a country that has more opportunities, a country where safety and prosperity belong to all Bahamians. We want a country in which all of you and your children and your grand children will thrive. We have promised you much, and I promise you, with every bone in my body and every beat of my heart, we will do all that we can to deliver.”
There were 209,264 voters on the register. Turnout was unclear.
Davis said, “It will take time before the final official numbers come in, but it is clear that today, a fair number of Bahamians chose not to exercise their right to vote. In the region and around the world, participation in elections is declining, 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.”
Davis appealed for national unity.
“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,” he said.
“Tonight is a political victory, but it is truly a victory for the whole country. 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.”
PLP Deputy Leader Chester Cooper, who was elected in Exuma and Ragged Island for a third consecutive term, told the crowd last night: “Together we have made the case for progress, and tonight the people have spoken and have elected what I have been calling the progress team, and I congratulate my colleagues for bringing it home.”
Cooper said The Bahamas now moves forward as one people
“This victory is for every man, woman and child in our country,” he said. “I am your representative. I am your servant. Tonight, we celebrate, but tomorrow we get back to work, the work of building stronger communities, the work of creating more opportunity, the work of creating more ownership, the work of empowering the Bahamian people to grow and to thrive.”
Throughout the campaign, David had warned Bahamians that electing the FNM would have constituted a turning back of the tide. He repeatedly described Pintard as a weak leader unprepared to lead The Bahamas.
After 10 p.m., Pintard addressed FNM supporters in Freeport and those tuning in to national television and social media platforms.
Pintard, who ascended to the leadership of the FNM after the party lost under the leadership of Dr. Hubert Minnis in 2021, did not indicate whether he intends to step aside.
“I believe in conventions; I’ve honored it,” he told reporters.
“Over the time that I’ve served as leader of the party, four and a half years, we have held three conventions — two that involved the leadership — so I’m absolutely committed to that convention. But more importantly, I’m committed to having a discussion with the team, and over the course of the next few days, we’ll make a decision and we’ll let you know.”
Pintard said Davis has his prayers for the work ahead and the assurance that the opposition he will face in the House of Assembly will be loyal to the Bahamian people.
“Today, the Bahamian people made their choice,” Pintard said from Grand Bahama.
“In a democracy, that is the only voice that ultimately matters. The people of The Bahamas have spoken, and we accept their decision. That is how democracy works. We make our case, we ask for your trust, we count the ballots, and we honor what the count says. That has been the Bahamian way, and tonight we honor it again.”
A win for the PLP means Davis and his colleagues have a mandate to continue the plans and programs they have started and to fulfill the pledges outlined for a new term.
The party has pledged to strengthen the protection of the country’s borders with clearer rules, digital enforcement, and real consequences.
The PLP also pledged to begin public consultation on a new city in Andros, laying the basis for a major center of economic activity and long-term development.
The PLP has also pledged to meet with Grand Bahama Port Authority licensees to develop a roadmap for development and to secure annual payments and arrears from the Grand Bahama Port Authority through the second phase of arbitration.
The party has promised to build a continuous pipeline of affordable homes across New Providence and the Family Islands by partnering with high-capacity developers to increase and accelerate construction efforts.
The Davis administration also plans to increase maternity leave from 12 to 14 weeks and provide two weeks of paid paternity leave, and a legal right to adoption leave.
And has pledged “a modern, disciplined, national energy strategy that is already delivering results”.
The Davis administration also plans to reduce national food import expenditure by 25 percent — keeping an additional $200 million circulating in the Bahamian economy every single year.