The Bahamas

The Parliament of the Bahamas is bicameral (Consisting of two chambers) with an appointed Senate and an elected House of Assembly. Her Majesty the Queen, represented by the Governor-General also part of the Bahamas Parliament. This Parliament, as many others within the Region follows the canons of the Westminster System.

The House of Assembly is the Lower Chamber. It consists of 41 members, elected from individual constituencies for five year terms. As under the Westminster system, the government may dissolve the parliament and call general elections at any time.

The Senate, the Upper House consists of 16 Members appointed by the Governor-General. Nine of these senators are selected 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.

Seat of Parliament: Nassau
Year of Independence: 1973
Population: 307, 000
Constitution: Constitutional Monarchy
CPA Branch formed: 1932
Date of First Parliament: 29 September, 1729
Voting Age: 18 years

Political Party Distribution

Free National Movement: 23 Seats
Progressive Liberal Party: 18 Seats
Date of Last Election: May 2, 2007

Officers of the Branch

Hon. Alvin Smith, MP
CPA Office: Branch Joint President
Parliamentary Office: Speaker of the House of Representatives

Sen. the Hon. Lynn Holowesko
CPA Office: Branch Joint President
Parliamentary Office: President of the Senate

Right Hon. Hubert Ingraham, MP
CPA Office: Branch Joint Vice President
Parliamentary Office: Prime Minister

Hon. Perry Christie, MP
CPA Office: Branch Joint Vice President
Parliamentary Office: Leader of the Opposition

Mr. Maurice Tynes
CPA Office: Branch Secretary
Parliamentary Office: Clerk to the Legislature