Bahamas
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: The Bahamas shall be divided into thirty-eight constituencies or such greater number as may be provided for by an Order made by the Governor-General.
Source: C: 68.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:12:07 GMT
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
a. The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: The House of Assembly.
Source: C: 70.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:13:13 GMT
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
b. Respecting natural barriers
e. Geographic size of district
g. Other
Comments: When reviewing the number and boundaries of the constituencies, the Commission must also take into account the needs of sparsely populated areas, the practicably of elected members maintaining contact with electors in such areas, size, physical features, natural boundaries and geographical isolation.
Source: C: 70.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:16:32 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
c. Number of registered voters
Source: C: 70.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:21:07 GMT
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
c. Boundary Commission
Comments: The Constituencies Commission of Bahamas is composed of five members, including a Chairman.
Source: C: 69.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:22:32 GMT
BD06 What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
f. Changes in distribution of registered voters
l. Other
Comments: Boundaries of the constituencies should be revised (not necessarily redrawn or changed) every five years. It is up the the Commission to recommend changes or not.
Source: C: 70.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:23:34 GMT
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Dulce Govea
c. Organisation: Federal Electoral Institute (IFE Mexico)
d. Contact Address. Periférico Sur 4124, Piso 4, Edificio Zafiro II, Col. Exhacienda de Anzaldo, Delegación Álvaro Obregón, México, Distrito Federal, C.P. 01090, Mexico
e. Telephone: (5255) 54490441
f. Facsimile: (5255) 5655-7012
g. Email: dulce.govea@ife.org.mx
Last updated: 2006-11-20 08:10:59 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
Comments: C:54 "(1) Subject to the provisions of this Article, Parliament may, bay an Act of Parliament passed by both Houses, alter any of the provisions of this Constitution or (in so far as it forms part of the law of the Bahamas) any of the provisions of The Bahamas Independence Act, 1973. (2) In so far as it alters- [...] (ii) the Bill, after its passage through both Hose, has been submitted to the electors qualified to vote for the election of members of the House of Assembly and, on a vote in such manner as Parliament may prescribe the majority of the electors voting have approved the Bill. (3) In so far as it alters- (ii) the Bill, after its passage through both Houses has been submitted to the electors qualified to vote for the elections of members of the House of Assembly and, on a vote taken in such manner as Parliament may prescribe the majority of the electors voting have approved the Bill." C:63 "(1) A Bill shall not become law until the Governor-General has assented thereto in Her Majesty's behalf and has signed it in token of such assent. [...] (3) Any Bill to which Article 54(2) or (3) of this Constitution applies shall be presented to the Governor-General endorsed with certificates of the requisite majorities in accordance with whichever of those paragraphs applies to the Bill, and with a certificate of the Parliamentary Registrar that it has been approved by the majority of the electors voting on the Bill." CRA:2 "(1) For the purpose of obtaining the approval of the electors qualified to vote in an election of members of the House of Assembly with respect to a Bill submitted to them, which Bill seeks to alter an Article of the Constitution specified in Article 54(2) or (3) of the Constitution or any of the provisions of The Bahamas Independence Act, 1973, a vote shall be taken by way of a referendum held in accordance with this Act. (2) The Governor-General may by proclamation appoint a day for the holding of a referendum, being a day not earlier than twenty-one days after the date of the proclamation. (3) The electors qualified to vote in a referendum shall be the electors who are qualified to vote as electors for the Election of members of the House of Assembly and for the purpose of referendum the register of voters prepared pursuant to section 13 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, 1992 shall be deemed to be closed ten days before the holding of the referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB) - Art. 54 (2.ii and 3.ii) and 63 (3), and Constitutional Referendum Act (CRA) - Art. 2
Last updated: 2006-11-20 08:10:59 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: C:54 "(1) Subject to the provisions of this Article, Parliament may, bay an Act of Parliament passed by both Houses, alter any of the provisions of this Constitution or (in so far as it forms part of the law of the Bahamas) any of the provisions of The Bahamas Independence Act, 1973. (2) In so far as it alters- [...] (ii) the Bill, after its passage through both Hose, has been submitted to the electors qualified to vote for the election of members of the House of Assembly and, on a vote in such manner as Parliament may prescribe the majority of the electors voting have approved the Bill. (3) In so far as it alters- (ii) the Bill, after its passage through both Houses has been submitted to the electors qualified to vote for the elections of members of the House of Assembly and, on a vote taken in such manner as Parliament may prescribe the majority of the electors voting have approved the Bill." C:63 "(1) A Bill shall not become law until the Governor-General has assented thereto in Her Majesty's behalf and has signed it in token of such assent. [...] (3) Any Bill to which Article 54(2) or (3) of this Constitution applies shall be presented to the Governor-General endorsed with certificates of the requisite majorities in accordance with whichever of those paragraphs applies to the Bill, and with a certificate of the Parliamentary Registrar that it has been approved by the majority of the electors voting on the Bill." CRA:2 "(1) For the purpose of obtaining the approval of the electors qualified to vote in an election of members of the House of Assembly with respect to a Bill submitted to them, which Bill seeks to alter an Article of the Constitution specified in Article 54(2) or (3) of the Constitution or any of the provisions of The Bahamas Independence Act, 1973, a vote shall be taken by way of a referendum held in accordance with this Act. (2) The Governor-General may by proclamation appoint a day for the holding of a referendum, being a day not earlier than twenty-one days after the date of the proclamation. (3) The electors qualified to vote in a referendum shall be the electors who are qualified to vote as electors for the Election of members of the House of Assembly and for the purpose of referendum the register of voters prepared pursuant to section 13 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, 1992 shall be deemed to be closed ten days before the holding of the referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB) Art. 54 (2.ii and 3.ii) and 63 (3), and Constitutional Referendum Act (CRA) Art. 2
Last updated: 2006-11-20 08:10:59 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 08:45:02 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 08:45:02 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 08:45:02 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 08:45:02 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 08:47:47 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 08:47:47 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 08:47:47 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 08:47:47 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1973
Comments: 1973: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB); 1977: the Constitutional Referendum Act (CRA)
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB) and the Constitutional Referendum Act (CRA)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 08:50:17 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:01:03 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:01:03 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:01:03 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:01:03 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:01:03 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:01:03 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:01:03 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:01:03 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:01:03 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:01:03 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB) Art. 54 (2.ii and 3.ii) and 63 (3), and Constitutional Referendum Act (CRA) Art. 2
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:09:41 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:09:41 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:09:41 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
e. None
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:34:18 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
d. Legislative majority
Comments: C:54 "(1) Subject to the provisions of this Article, Parliament may, bay an Act of Parliament passed by both Houses, alter any of the provisions of this Constitution or (in so far as it forms part of the law of the Bahamas) any of the provisions of The Bahamas Independence Act, 1973. (2) In so far as it alters- [...] (ii) the Bill, after its passage through both Hose, has been submitted to the electors qualified to vote for the election of members of the House of Assembly and, on a vote in such manner as Parliament may prescribe the majority of the electors voting have approved the Bill. (3) In so far as it alters- (ii) the Bill, after its passage through both Houses has been submitted to the electors qualified to vote for the elections of members of the House of Assembly and, on a vote taken in such manner as Parliament may prescribe the majority of the electors voting have approved the Bill."
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB) Art. 54 (2.ii and 3.ii)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:34:18 UTC
DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:25:42 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
a. Always
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB) Art. 54 (2.ii and 3.ii) and 63 (3), and Constitutional Referendum Act (CRA) Art. 2
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:04:26 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Source: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:04:26 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:11:09 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:11:09 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 09:16:05 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:57:43 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:57:43 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:57:43 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 15:00:35 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 15:00:35 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 15:00:35 UTC
DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 15:00:35 UTC
DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 15:01:17 UTC
DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-15 15:01:17 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Parliamentary Registration Department
b. Full Address P.O. Box N-1653, Nassau, The Bahamas
c. Telephone (242) 325-2888/1
d. Facsimile (242) 322-1637
e. Email e-mail:errolbethel(a)hotmail.com
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Mr. Errol Bethel
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:44:40 GMT
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: School board elections.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 17:20:27 GMT
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
d. A national government department
Comments: The so called Parliamentary Commissioner is responsible for the registration of voters and the holding of elections. He is the principal officer of the Parliamentary Registration Department. He is appointed (and reports to) by the Governor General acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission.
Source: EL: 12.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 17:25:09 GMT
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 17:32:55 GMT
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
d. A national government department
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 17:55:30 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:01:19 GMT
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
c. Civil service appointment
Comments: The Parliamentary Commissioner is appointed by the Governor general acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission. The Parliamentary Commissioner shall be a public officer.
Source: EL: 12.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:03:10 GMT
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 2,584,876.82
Comments: 2 584 876,82 USD
Last updated: 2008-01-21 12:38:47 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 1,445,758
Last updated: 2008-01-21 12:38:47 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
f. A Governor General appointed by the Monarch
Comments: Governor-General of The Bahamas is appointed by Her Majesty and hold office during Her Majesty's pleasure.
Source: C: 32.
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 22:43:06 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
d. Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 22:50:46 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
b. No
Comments: The executive authority is exercised on behalf of Her Majesty by the Governor General.
Source: C: 71.
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:13:04 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Comments: Senate: sixteen members appointed by the Governor General as follows: nine with the advice of the Prime Minister; four with the advice of the Leader of the Opposition; and three with the advice of the Prime Minister, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. House of Assembly: 38 members elected by popular vote.
Source: C: 39 and 46.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:39:33 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Last updated: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 08:27:05 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
j. By appointment
Comments: The Senate has 16 members, nine are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister; four on the advice of the leader of the Opposition and three on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition.
Source: C: 39.
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:35:36 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:36:09 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: The House of Assembly must have at least 38 elected members (single member constituencies). The number may be increased on the recommendation of the Constituencies Commission, which is charged with reviewing electoral boundaries at least every five years. Right now there are 40 constituencies.
Source: C: 46 and 70.
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:37:18 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Comments: The Senate has 16 appointed members out of which nine are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister; four on the advice of the leader of the Opposition and three on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition.
Source: C: 39.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 11:04:23 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:38:18 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable *
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:38:50 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:39:12 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable *
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:39:44 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:40:14 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:41:13 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:41:53 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:42:20 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: The Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, may at any time by proclamation dissolve Parliament.
Source: C: 66.
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:43:15 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable
Comments: All seats become vacant upon the next dissolution of Parliament.
Source: C: 43.
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:44:28 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:42:16 GMT
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
b. January 1990- December 1999
Comments: Parliamentary Elections Act was enacted in 1992.
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:48:56 GMT
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Comments: There is no other type of popular elections in Bahamas.
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 23:50:02 GMT
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:50:33 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: No other type of elections, other than parliamentary, are held in Bahamas.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 00:00:07 GMT
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 00:00:50 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
c. Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: An Election Court, constituted for each electoral process and consisting of two Justices to the Supreme Court appointed by the Chief Justice have jurisdiction to hear and determine any question related to the election of the members of the House of Assembly.
Source: C: 51. EL: 80.
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:50:33 UTC
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
c. Judiciary
Comments: The two members that compose the Electoral Court are appointed by the Chief Justice.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 00:06:42 GMT
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
Comments: Or the agents of the candidates.
Source: EL: 72.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 00:07:54 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:16:03 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
d. No registration required
Comments: There are no provisions in the law regarding the registration of political parties in order to participate in an election.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:56:11 GMT
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: National legislators to the Senate are appointed.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:58:23 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
Comments: d. Ordinary residence in The Bahamas for a period of not less than one year immediately before the date of his/her nomination for election.
Source: C: 47.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:59:46 GMT
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
k. Not applicable
Comments: k. Senators are appointed, not elected. In any case, they should have at least 30 years old and an ordinary residence in The Bahamas for a period of not less than one year immediately before the date of his/her appointment.
Source: C: 41.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 11:41:12 GMT
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Not applicable
Comments: The country does not have a president.
Source: C: 71.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:04:11 GMT
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
e. Offences against electoral law
f. Holding of military office
g. Holding of government office
h. Bankruptcy or Insolvency
k. Mental health problems
l. Multiple Citizenship
m. Citizenship of parents
n. Holding of other public offices (police etc.)
o. Other
Comments: o. To be a senator; a judge of the Supreme Court or of the Court of Appeal; an employee in the Ministry of Tourism or acting temporarily as a public officer for a period exceeding three months.
Source: C: 48. EL: 6.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:06:08 GMT
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
o. Not applicable
Comments: The country does not have a president.
Source: C: 71.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:06:59 GMT
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: In fact, it is not required to be member or nominated by a political party in order to become a candidate for House of Assembly.
Source: EL: 36.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 19:00:02 GMT
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
b. Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: The nomination paper of every candidate shall be subscribed for not less than five persons registered as voters in the correspondant constituency. The deposit required is 400 USD. It also must submit a declaration of assets, incomes and liabilities pertaining to his(her)serf, his/her spouse and children.
Source: EL: 36 and 37.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:08:45 GMT
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Comments: National legislators to the Senate are appointed.
Source: C: 39.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:09:55 GMT
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 19:03:02 GMT
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Comments: There are no provisions in the law related to the register and rights of political parties.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:10:49 GMT
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
d. Not Applicable
Comments: There are no provisions in the law related to the register and rights of political parties.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:18:01 GMT
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable
Comments: There are no provisions in the law related to the register and rights of political parties.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:46:32 GMT
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Comments: There are no provisions in the law related to the register and rights of political parties.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:47:04 GMT
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
e. Not Applicable
Comments: There are no provisions in the law related to the register and rights of political parties.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:48:08 GMT
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
b. No
Comments: No provisions on the electoral legislation.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 19:06:13 GMT
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
d. Not Applicable
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 19:06:46 GMT
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 19:07:11 GMT
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
i. Party symbols in black and white
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
m. Organized alphabetically
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
r. Other
Comments: Every ballot paper shall contain the names of the candidates in alpâhabetical order and, opposite to the name, a prescribed symbol. Shall have a number printed on the back and have attached a counterfoil with the same number printed in the face. Ballots are printed in white paper for the purposes of regular votes and upon colored paper for the purposes of protested votes.
Source: EL: 51.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 22:49:23 GMT
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 22:50:15 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
s. Not Applicable
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 22:51:00 GMT
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: EL: 65.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 22:51:44 GMT
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
e. Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused)
i. Tallying by party representative and/or observers as votes are being called out
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
l. Counted by hand
q. Copies of results are provided to observers
r. Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results
s. Copies of results are provided to party agents
Source: EL: 65.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 22:54:12 GMT
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
c. District level
e. National level
Comments: The ballot box and a signed copy of the results are delivered to the returning officer of the constituency.
Source: EL: 65.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:50:59 GMT
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
b. District level
Comments: Only one MP elected in each district, by the FPTP principle.
Source: EL: 45.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 22:58:17 GMT
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
b. By telephone
c. By fax
e. Radio
Comments: To the correspondant returning officer (district level).
Source: EL: 65.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 22:59:23 GMT
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
a. Ballots
b. Unused and spoiled ballots
c. Counterfoils of used ballots
d. Voter rolls
e. Tendered ballots
f. Certificate of result
g. Ballot boxes
Source: EL: 65.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 23:00:28 GMT
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
c. Signatures on sealed envelopes
d. Transported in boxes sealed with numbered seals
e. Accompanied by election officials
h. Accompanied by police or other security personnel
Comments: All material, including the results, are make up into separate packets, sealed with the seal of the presiding officer and the seals of the candidates or their agents. The candidates or theor agents are also entitled to accompany the person delivering all materials.
Source: EL: 65.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 23:02:01 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
b. Always recounted
Source: EL: 66.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 23:02:46 GMT
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable
Comments: Ballots are always recounted.
Source: EL: 66.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:52:18 GMT
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Ballots are always recounted.
Source: EL: 66.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:53:08 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
c. Local Election Management body
Comments: The returning officer of each constituency, in the presence of the candidates involved or their agents.
Source: EL: 66.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 10:53:42 GMT
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: *
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 23:07:54 GMT
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:39:59 GMT
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:40:32 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
b. Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:41:04 GMT
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
b. Media advertisement
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:41:35 GMT
Voting Operations
VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
e. 51-60%
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 19:24:18 GMT
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
b. No
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 19:24:48 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: Only police officers and members of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force who will be on duty on election day may vote in advance in special places determined by the Parliamentary Commissioner.
Source: EL: 53 and 54.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 19:54:16 GMT
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 19:55:15 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Voting outside the country is not permitted.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:51:02 GMT
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
b. Yes
Comments: They can vote at special advance voting centers.
Source: EL: 54.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 19:56:53 GMT
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
a. At special advance polling centers
Source: EL: 54.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:52:43 GMT
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
f. Other
Comments: Police Officers, Defence Force officers and election officials (poll workers, who will be on duty on election day).
Source: EL: 54
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:54:02 GMT
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes
Source: EL: 11.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 20:07:49 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 400
Comments: Registerecd voters per polling division.
Source: EL: 11.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 20:08:58 GMT
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: EL: 59.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 20:09:27 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
Comments: Each polling place is in charge of a presiding officer, who is assisted by a number of polling clerks as the Parlamlamientary Commissioner decides.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 20:10:40 GMT
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: 18 years
Source: EL: 8.
Last updated: 2007-01-16 09:45:28 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Comments: b) 3 months minimum residence in constituency.
Source: IPU Parline Database: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2021.htm
Last updated: 2007-01-16 09:45:28 UTC
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
c. Detention
d. Mental disability
Comments: The citizen should not be subject to any legal incapacity.
Source: EL: 9 and 10.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:29:23 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: A parliamentary commissioner (appointed by the Governor General acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission) is the principal officer of the Parliamentary Registration Department.
Source: EL: 12.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:49:23 GMT
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Comments: The register ceases to have effect upon such date as the Governor General may appoint by notice published in the gazzete or at the end of each succeeding period of five years following the date of its coming into effect.
Source: EL: 14.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:49:55 GMT
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
c. Periodically (or before each election)
Comments: A new register is prepared at least every five years (term of Parliament).
Source: EL: 14.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:33:51 GMT
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
e. Appearance by voter at registration office
Source: EL: 15.
Last updated: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:35:15 GMT
May 20, 2008 07:18 AM
