May 12, 2026 General Election

Know the Facts.
Vote Informed.

Independent comparison of PLP, FNM, and COI platforms, track records, and promises for Bahamian voters.

Election Day Countdown

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 · 8:00 AM EST

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Parties

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Policy Areas

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Constituencies

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Years Reviewed

Performance Scorecard

Based on governing track record, policy substance, and campaign commitments kept across 8 key areas.

Methodology

Scores are derived from publicly available legislative records, government budget documents, independent news reporting from Bahamian media (Tribune, Nassau Guardian, ZNS, Our News), party platform documents, and the PLP Blueprint Tracker (blueprint-tracker.gov.bs).

The PLP and FNM are scored against their time in government (2021-2026 and 2017-2021 respectively). The COI has no governing record and is therefore not scored on outcomes — their section shows proposals only.

Grading scale: A (80+), A- (70-79), B+ (65-69), B (60-64), B- (55-59), C+ (50-54), C (45-49), C- (40-44), D (35-39).

PLP

0%

Grade: B+

FNM

0%

Grade: C

COI

N/A

No governing record to assess — see platform proposals below

Economy & Jobs

PLP 72%FNM 55%COI N/A
COI — no governing record

Healthcare

PLP 62%FNM 45%COI N/A
COI — no governing record

Education & Tech

PLP 75%FNM 60%COI N/A
COI — no governing record

Housing

PLP 58%FNM 42%COI N/A
COI — no governing record

Crime & Safety

PLP 52%FNM 48%COI N/A
COI — no governing record

Workers' Rights

PLP 70%FNM 38%COI N/A
COI — no governing record

Agriculture

PLP 65%FNM 30%COI N/A
COI — no governing record

Governance

PLP 68%FNM 48%COI N/A
COI — no governing record

Platform Comparison

Promises vs. record on the issues that matter most.

PLP

  • Tourism arrivals rebounded to record highs after COVID reopening
  • Foreign direct investment reached historical levels during the term
  • Unemployment declined steadily from 2022 onward per Dept. of Statistics
  • Island-specific economic plans for every Family Island
  • $10M+ in small business support and grants disbursed
  • Competition law passed targeting price-fixing and consumer protection
  • Cost of living remains high despite headline growth — an ongoing priority

FNM

  • Signed $300M Nassau Cruise Port development deal (2019)
  • Promises $10M annually in small business grants for 2026 term
  • Plans to overhaul Inland Revenue to reduce red tape
  • Focus on small business owners and entrepreneurs
  • VAT increased from 7.5% to 12% in 2018 (Budget Communication)
  • 'Stop, Review, Cancel' policy led to project terminations and contract disputes

COI

  • Advocates for Bahamian-first economic policy
  • Calls for greater local business ownership
  • Proposes reducing foreign corporate dominance
  • Focused on grassroots economic empowerment
  • Limited detailed economic policy published so far

Party Track Records

Key milestones from each party based on public records.

2017FNM

Landslide Election Victory

FNM won 35 of 39 seats, the largest majority in Bahamian electoral history.

2017FNM

Freedom of Information Act

Passed FOIA legislation — though full implementation was never completed during the term.

2018FNM

Free University Tuition

Made tuition free at University of The Bahamas and BTVI for qualifying students — a landmark education policy.

2019FNM

Nassau Cruise Port Deal

Signed $300M Nassau Cruise Port development — a major infrastructure investment for tourism.

2019FNM

Hurricane Dorian Response

Managed national response to Category 5 Hurricane Dorian, which devastated Abaco and Grand Bahama.

2020FNM

Pandemic Relief Package

Created historic aid package with unemployment benefits, tax breaks, and the largest food distribution program in Bahamian history.

2020COI

Coalition Founded

Coalition of Independents formed as an alternative to the two-party system, led by Lincoln Bain.

2021PLP

Economy Reopened

PLP government reopened the economy after COVID-19 lockdowns, restoring livelihoods across the tourism-dependent nation.

2021COI

First Election Campaign

COI fielded candidates in the 2021 general election, establishing themselves as a third-party voice.

2022PLP

Foreign Investment Restored

Record foreign direct investment secured, rebuilding investor confidence after pandemic-era uncertainty.

2023PLP

Blueprint Tracker Launched

PLP launched public accountability tool tracking 387 campaign commitments — a first in Bahamian politics.

2024PLP

Public Servant Health Insurance

Extended health insurance to all public servants including contract workers previously without coverage.

2024PLP

Mental Health Initiatives

Launched 24-hour suicide prevention hotline and began establishing community mental health centres.

2025PLP

Digital Government Push

Began integration of public agencies into MyGateway digital platform.

2026PLP

Blueprint for Progress

Launched second-term platform featuring AI Academy, agricultural modernization, and Employment Bill.

2026COI

Expanded 2026 Campaign

COI fielding an expanded slate of candidates focused on immigration, anti-corruption, and Bahamian-first economic policy.

Strengths & Challenges

What each party has going for it — and where voters may have concerns.

PLPProgressive Liberal Party

Strengths

  • +Reopened economy and restored investor confidence post-COVID
  • +Blueprint Tracker — first public accountability tool in Bahamian politics
  • +Extended health insurance to all public servants
  • +Comprehensive Employment Bill with worker protections
  • +AI Academy and digital governance vision
  • +Agricultural modernization and food security targets

Challenges

  • Hospital construction projects still incomplete
  • Cost of living remains high despite economic growth
  • Crime rates remain a concern
  • Some Blueprint commitments still pending
  • FOIA and whistleblower improvements still in progress
FNMFree National Movement

Strengths

  • +Made UB and BTVI tuition free — landmark education policy
  • +Signed $300M Nassau Cruise Port development deal
  • +Created historic pandemic aid package and food distribution
  • +Launched free preschool initiative
  • +Passed Freedom of Information Act in 2017

Challenges

  • Raised VAT from 7.5% to 12% after campaigning against it
  • FOIA never fully implemented during term
  • 'Stop, Review, Cancel' led to project losses and lawsuits
  • Minimum wage never increased in 4 years
  • Lost 28 seats in 2021 — second-worst performance in party history
COICoalition of Independents

Strengths

  • +Offers a genuine third-party alternative
  • +Strong stance on immigration enforcement and reform
  • +Anti-corruption and government accountability focus
  • +Bahamian-first economic philosophy resonates with many
  • +Growing grassroots support base

Challenges

  • No governing experience to evaluate
  • Limited detailed policy documentation
  • Smaller candidate slate and campaign infrastructure
  • Young party still building organizational capacity
  • Policy specifics often lack implementation detail

2021 Election Results

32

PLP

7

FNM

0

IND

Your Vote. Your Decision.

The facts from all three parties — their records, platforms, strengths, and challenges. Now it's up to you.

Election Day: May 12, 2026