Parliament of the Bahamas

Parliament of the Bahamas
Name	Parliament of the Bahamas
Legislature	44th Parliament
House type	Bicameral
Houses	Senate, House of Assembly
Leader1 type	Monarch of the Bahamas
Leader1	Charles III
Election1	8 September 2022
Leader2 type	Governor-General of the Bahamas
Leader2	Cynthia A. Pratt (Acting)
Election2	1 June 2024
Leader3 type	President of the Senate
Leader3	Lashell Adderley
Party3	Progressive Liberal Party
Election3	24 May 2022
Leader4 type	Speaker of the House
Leader4	Patricia Deveaux
Party4	Progressive Liberal Party
Election4	6 October 2021
Members	78, 16 Senators, 39 Members of Parliament
House1	Senate
House2	House of Assembly
Voting system1	Appointment
Voting system2	First-past-the-post voting
Last election2	16 September 2021
Meeting place	Bahamian Parliament Building, Nassau, New Providence
Website	https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/parliament

Parliament of the Bahamas is the supreme legislative body of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth of Nations. Established upon independence from the United Kingdom in 1973, it operates as a bicameral legislature, consisting of an appointed Senate and an elected House of Assembly. The institution is central to the nation's Westminster system of government, with its functions and procedures deeply rooted in the Constitution of the Bahamas and British parliamentary tradition.

History

The origins of the Parliament trace back to the colonial General Assembly of the Bahamas, first convened in 1729 under British rule. This body evolved through various constitutional instruments, including the Bahamas Constitution Order 1969, which established full internal self-government. The modern Parliament was formally created by the Independence Act 1973, which severed the remaining colonial ties with the Parliament of the United Kingdom and established the nation as a constitutional monarchy under Elizabeth II. Key historical sessions have addressed major national events, such as the transition to majority rule in 1967 and the country's response to hurricanes like Hurricane Dorian.

Composition and structure

The Parliament is composed of two distinct chambers. The upper house, the Senate of the Bahamas, consists of sixteen members appointed by the Governor-General of the Bahamas: nine on the advice of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, four on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, and three on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation. The lower house, the House of Assembly of the Bahamas, comprises thirty-nine members elected from single-member constituencies across islands including New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands. The presiding officers are the President of the Senate of the Bahamas and the Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Bahamas.

Functions and powers

Its primary function is to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of The Bahamas. It holds the exclusive power to impose taxation and authorize public expenditure, as outlined in the annual budget process. Parliament exercises oversight of the executive branch through mechanisms such as Question Time, select committees, and motions of no confidence. It also has the authority to amend the Constitution of the Bahamas, subject to special majorities, and to regulate matters of national importance like citizenship, national security, and international treaties.

Legislative process

Most legislation, particularly money bills, originates in the House of Assembly of the Bahamas. A bill must pass three readings in each chamber and receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General of the Bahamas to become law. The Senate of the Bahamas has limited powers; it may delay but not veto most legislation passed by the House. The process includes committee stages, such as review by the Public Accounts Committee, and allows for amendments. Special procedures exist for constitutional amendments, which often require approval via a referendum.

Current Parliament and elections

The current 44th Parliament commenced following the 2021 Bahamian general election, where the Progressive Liberal Party, led by Philip Davis, won a majority. The main opposition is the Free National Movement, led by Michael Pintard. Elections are constitutionally required at least every five years, conducted by the Parliamentary Registration Department under the supervision of the Parliamentary Commissioner. The electoral system is first-past-the-post voting across constituencies defined by the latest report from the Boundaries Commission.

Relationship with the government

The Government of the Bahamas is formed from the party or coalition that commands the confidence of the House of Assembly of the Bahamas. The Prime Minister of the Bahamas and most Cabinet ministers are drawn from its members, exemplifying the fusion of powers in the Westminster system. The executive is accountable to Parliament, regularly appearing before it to answer questions and defend policies. This relationship is a cornerstone of responsible government in The Bahamas, ensuring ministerial accountability to the elected representatives of the people.

Category:National legislatures Category:Politics of the Bahamas