The Organization of American States (OAS) has deployed its Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to The Bahamas ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
Leading the Mission is former High Commissioner for Saint Kitts and Nevis to Canada and Ambassador to Mexico and Panama, Sherry Tross. The OAS/EOM team of 21 experts and observers from 14 nations will focus its observation on electoral organization and boundaries, electoral technology, electoral justice, political-electoral finance and the political participation of women.
Leading up to the May 12 polls, the Chief of Mission and the OAS team will meet with government officials, electoral authorities, candidates, civil society leaders, among other actors to gather information on the electoral process. On election day, observers will monitor polling stations from the opening of the polls through the voting process and the tabulation and transmission of results.
Following the vote, the EOM will issue a first report detailing its findings and recommendations to strengthen Bahamian democratic institutions.
This Mission—the fourth of its kind in The Bahamas following deployments in 2012, 2017, and 2021—is funded by contributions from Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Republic of Korea, Peru and the United States.
Reference: E-057/26
