Bahamas prime minister re-elected in early election victory

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis and his ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) were reelected on Tuesday, making him the first leader to serve a second consecutive term in nearly 30 years.



"The Bahamian people have spoken, and I receive their verdict with humility and gratitude," Davis told Reuters.



"This victory is a mandate to keep moving the Bahamas forward, to expand opportunity, strengthen security, ease the pressure on families, and deliver progress across our islands."



A poll was not due to be called until October, but Davis decided to call an early election to get ahead of the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, an official in his office said.



The 2021 election, which resulted in Davis' ascension to prime minister, was also called early. That September 2021 election was the first time in nearly 25 years that Bahamian voters headed to the polls in a month other than May.