Three Biggest Takeaways From Commonwealth Observers Include Bahamas Campaign Finance Reform

The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – A Commonwealth Observer Group reviewing The Bahamas’ May 12, 2026 General Election has praised Bahamian voters and the country’s democratic traditions — while also raising major concerns about campaign finance laws, media fairness and the lack of a political code of conduct.

The interim report, issued May 14 and led by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, described the election as peaceful and orderly overall, but signaled that several longstanding democratic reforms still remain unresolved in The Bahamas.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

Perhaps the strongest language in the report focused on the continued absence of campaign finance legislation.

The Commonwealth warned there remains: “no statutory framework governing the registration of political parties and the regulation of political contributions and campaign expenditure.”

Observers said that absence: “continues to undermine accountability and contributes to public cynicism regarding the influence of money in politics.”

The report stressed that the relatively small size of Bahamian constituencies makes the country especially vulnerable to concerns over political influence and spending.

The Observer Group said: “The relatively small size of the Bahamian electorate in each constituency makes it especially vulnerable in this regard.”

The recommendation itself is not new — and that was part of the concern.

The Commonwealth pointed out that similar recommendations were made after the 2017 and 2021 elections.

This time, however, the language became sharper: “Ten years after this recommendation was first made by a Commonwealth Observer Group, its implementation has become more urgent.”

VOTERS AND DEMOCRATIC CONDUCT COMMENDED

Even with those concerns, the Group strongly praised Bahamian voters and election workers for maintaining calm and order throughout the election process.

In one of the strongest commendations of the report, observers stated: “We applaud the people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas for once again exercising their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner. The Bahamas has a proud democratic tradition, and that tradition has once again been affirmed.”

The Group also commended polling officials for: “the efficiency and professionalism with which they discharged their duties.”

Police, defence force officers, political parties and party agents were also praised for contributing to what observers described as a peaceful election environment.

The report specifically noted the: “maturity of Bahamian electoral culture.”

MEDIA FAIRNESS AND ACCESS

The Commonwealth also raised concerns about media fairness and political influence within parts of the Bahamian media environment.

While the report praised press freedom and described Bahamian private media as vibrant and active, observers said they received complaints about perceived bias and political alignment.

The report stated:  “The vibrancy of private broadcasters and the country’s print media is commendable.”

But it also noted:  “reports of the close relationship between the owners of private media houses and the main political parties and perceptions of biased reporting that this created.”

Observers additionally raised concerns over misinformation and the tone of discourse on social media platforms during the campaign.

The report also revisited concerns surrounding the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, urging balanced political access and equitable election coverage.

The Commonwealth further encouraged the creation of: “an independent media association to support and regulate media professionals”

along with a media Code of Conduct designed to foster: “greater accountability and fair coverage of election campaigns.”

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR POLITICAL PARTIES

The Observer Group also renewed calls for political parties to formally establish rules governing campaign behavior and political engagement.

The report urged political parties, in consultation with civil society, to develop:  “a Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates.”

According to the Commonwealth, such a Code should clearly define:  “the manner in which campaigns are conducted, standards of civility in public discourse and personal attacks on opponents on social media.”

The recommendation was also made after the 2017 and 2021 elections, signaling what observers see as a continuing need to formalize standards of political behavior and campaign engagement in Bahamian democracy.

The Commonwealth Observer Group is expected to issue a final report with additional recommendations in the months ahead.

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