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Country profile

Bahamas

Commonwealth of The Bahamas

North America · Latin America and the Caribbean · Americas

BS · BHS

Capital
Nassau
Population
398,165
Area
13,943 km²
Democracy index
91
Regime type
Robust Democracy

Events

Ballots from Bahamas

The latest elections, referendums, and opinion polls from Bahamas. Community totals are not official results.

No published ballots yet

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Classification

Democracy profile

The score and regime label are assigned by Porto Voto using our in-house democracy index and classification framework, not ratings from governments or external agencies.

Democracy index

91/100

Regime type

Robust Democracy

The Bahamas remains a pillar of institutional stability within the Caribbean, maintaining a political system where democratic norms and the rule of law are deeply entrenched. As the nation approaches the general elections scheduled for May 12, 2026, the pre electoral period has been characterized by vigorous multi party competition and a transparent administrative process, with the recent addition of two parliamentary seats following a standard boundary review. The judiciary operates with a high degree of independence, regularly providing a functional check on executive power and ensuring that civil liberties are broadly respected. While issues such as government transparency and the efficiency of the legal system remain subjects of public debate, there is no evidence of systematic efforts to curb dissent or manipulate the information environment. Media pluralism is robust, and journalists operate in a climate free from state sanctioned harassment, contributing to a healthy space for public discourse. The peaceful and predictable nature of political transitions in the country reinforces its status as a system where power is derived from a genuine and fair electoral mandate. Public trust in democratic institutions is supported by a long history of stability and a clear constitutional framework that protects individual rights and political freedoms.

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World Factbook

Country background

A concise introduction to Bahamas, together with notes on how power and law are organized, to put local ballots in context.

Lucayan Indians inhabited the Bahama islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Piracy thrived in the 17th and 18th centuries because of The Bahamas' close proximity to shipping lanes.

Since gaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas has prospered through tourism, international banking, and investment management, which comprise up to 85% of GDP. Because of its proximity to the US -- the nearest Bahamian landmass is only 80 km (50 mi) from Florida -- the country is a major transshipment point for illicit trafficking to the US mainland, as well as to Europe. US law enforcement agencies cooperate closely with The Bahamas; the Drug Enforcement Administration, US Coast Guard, and US Customs and Border Protection assist Bahamian authorities with maritime security and law enforcement through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or OPBAT.