“While There Are Legit Complaints, Bahamians Didn’t Question Voting Integrity”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – National Security Minister Myles LaRoda says while the results of the May 12 election have been confirmed as legitimate, there is still room to improve the electoral process.

That follows a recent CARICOM observers report which highlighted several deficiencies, including concerns over xenophobia, campaign financing, and the need for an independent Parliamentary Registration Department.

LaRoda, who has responsibility for the electoral process, says while the criticisms are fair, the election itself was accurate and fair.

International observers have kept a close eye on The Bahamas’ elections for years, and during the most recent poll in May, the observers say they noticed some inconsistencies which, while troubling, could be addressed through new legislation and electoral reforms.

One of those key findings, instances of “xenophobic rhetoric regarding the Haitian community,” which could have undermined voter confidence among Bahamians of Haitian descent.

So, what does the government have to say?

When National Security Minister Myles LaRoda was asked about the matter, he had this response.

Myles LaRoda – Minister of National Security

“Election of 2026, no different than the election of 2021 or election of 2017. The Bahamian people spoke. While I would admit that there were some glitches, I think that if you look at the process, the impartiality, the Bahamian people expressed their vote, and you don’t hear too much complaining about the outcome.”

On Election Day, CARICOM observers monitored 317 of the 322 polling divisions across New Providence and Grand Bahama.

They noted some minor inconsistencies in voter identification and ink-checking procedures, but said those issues did not disrupt the overall voting process.

The report also found that extreme care was taken to preserve ballot secrecy.

Myles LaRoda – Minister of National Security

“If you look at some of the world’s proudest democracies, most powerful and advanced countries with the most advanced equipment and technology, they are complaints about them.”

Myles LaRoda – Minister of National Security

“When you have 67% and people are complaining, check around the world. We had repeat governments with less than 30% for outcome, and there’s a certain segment of our society who glorify those countries, but yet complain about what happened in the country that has 67% voter turnout.”

The report also called for campaign finance legislation and an independent Parliamentary Registration Department after identifying a number of issues.

LaRoda says while he agrees the PRD should be independent, that’s not all.

Myles LaRoda – Minister of National Security

“I do not think, however, that Bahamians questioned the integrity of the voting, complaining about a legitimate complaint. Complaints about the advanced poll and how long it took for individuals to vote, complaints about we did not have provisions for the elderly. They had to be in the lines, you know, like everybody else. They are genuine complaints that we could try to rectify.”