The Bahamas goes to polls in three-way battle with immigration a key issue

"Voters in the Bahamas head to the polls on Tuesday in a hotly contested general election featuring high-profile candidates such as the former basketball champion Rick Fox. Voters in the Caribbean archipelago are divided over concerns about immigration, especially from neighbouring Haiti, and the rising cost of living, with significant spikes in gas prices caused by war in the Middle East."

"A record of more than 200,000 people have registered to vote in 41 constituencies as the governing Progressive Liberal party (PLP), the opposition Free National Movement (FNM) and the Coalition of Independents (COI) battle for control of parliament. While third parties have historically struggled to gain parliamentary seats in the Bahamas, political observers are closely watching whether the COI, which has a strong social media presence, can build on the nearly 8,000 votes it secured in the 2021 election."

"Philip Brave' Davis is seeking a second term as prime minister for the PLP. Davis, 74, has framed the election as a choice between stability and uncertainty, arguing his administration has guided the country through post-pandemic recovery and record tourism growth. Christopher Curry, an associate professor of history at the University of the Bahamas, said Davis had focused on the argument that changing parties while plans from 2021 were still in progress would destabilise the country."

"He added: Switching their campaigning slogan from We work for you not for the few' to Save our Sovereignty (SOS)', I think created more traction with Bahamian people. I hate to say it, but there tends to be an underlying sort of xenophobia that many Bahamians gravitate toward and so I think the opposition in a way is playing on that. The FNM's assistant treasurer, Carlyle Bethel, accused the government of failing to deal with illegal immigration."

Voters in the Bahamas vote in a highly contested general election featuring prominent candidates including former basketball champion Rick Fox. The campaign centers on immigration concerns, particularly from Haiti, and the rising cost of living, with gas prices spiking due to the war in the Middle East. More than 200,000 people are registered to vote across 41 constituencies, with the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the opposition Free National Movement (FNM), and the Coalition of Independents (COI) competing for control of parliament. Observers watch whether the COI can convert its 2021 vote total into seats. Prime Minister Philip Brave' Davis seeks a second term, framing the election as stability versus uncertainty, while the FNM emphasizes immigration and sovereignty messaging.

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