BY: ARIANNA NEELY
BAHAMA JOURNAL WRITER
The Boundaries Commission has officially completed its report, clearing the way for potential changes to the country’s electoral map after months of speculation over whether several high-population constituencies will be divided. The confirmation marks a significant step toward possible election reform at a time when voters and politicians continue to debate the fairness of representation across The Bahamas.
Deputy Prime Minister and commission member Chester Cooper confirmed that the body has finished its work and submitted its recommendations for government consideration. Speaking on the matter, he said, “The Committee has completed its work. The next step is really for the Prime Minister to make his determination and then it goes to Parliament for ratification, acceptance.” He did not offer details on what the Commission has recommended, but said the process is now entirely in the hands of the executive and Parliament.
Although the final report has not yet been made public, discussion surrounding possible constituency adjustments has intensified since early this year. Residents, political observers and some community organizations have pushed for changes, arguing that several constituencies have grown too large and could be creating voter inequality. The Constitution requires that constituencies be as equal in size “as far as practicable,” a standard many argue is no longer being met.
Golden Isles which just this week had a by-election that was won by PLP candidate Darron Pickstock and Killarney are among the seats most frequently mentioned in public debate. Known for having two of the largest registered voter populations in the country. Both constituencies each have more than 7000 registered voters and have expanded rapidly in recent years due to ongoing development and an influx of residents. Critics argue that their sizes make it more difficult for one Member of Parliament to engage voters effectively and address the wide range of local concerns.
Similarly, calls for separation have been growing among residents of Bimini, who share the sprawling West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency. Residents on the island have repeatedly expressed frustration that their issues — including airport operations, ferry travel, marine resources, and tourism infrastructure — often differ sharply from those on Grand Bahama, making unified representation challenging. A split, they argue, would give Bimini a dedicated voice and help ensure that the island receives more targeted attention from lawmakers.
If approved, the recommendations could lead to the creation of new constituencies, the redrawing of existing ones, or both. Any change would have ripple effects locally and nationally, altering campaign strategies, voter outreach efforts and possibly the balance of representation in the House of Assembly. New seats could also attract candidates from across political parties, increasing competition in areas that have historically voted along consistent lines.
With the recent West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election considered a “test run” by many political observers, the growing activity among Members of Parliament has raised anticipation for further developments. Cooper himself noted that recent campaigning has pushed MPs to refine their strategies, connect with communities and better understand voter expectations.
Once Prime Minister Philip Davis completes his review of the report, the recommendations must be presented to Parliament for debate and approval. Until then, Bahamians will continue to wait for clarity on whether the long-rumoured constituency changes will materialize and what they could mean for the country’s political future. Many are watching closely, believing the coming months could reshape not only voter districts, but how effectively communities are represented for years to come.
