The CARICOM Election Observation Mission Report was released this month. The report contains the findings and recommendations of the group that observed the 2026 general election.

Parliamentary Commissioner, Harrison Thompson responded to the various recommendations included in the report on Tuesday. He said, “I think the report is fair and I think that The Bahamas can benefit from reacting to the report and responding to it.”

In the report observers recommended the strengthening of the voter registration process by implementing a robust address verification system and biometric checks to reduce fraud. Thompson said, “the law was passed in October last year that all registrants now have to register for the biometric card. So hopefully in the next election everybody will have to vote with the biometric card. It’s still a decision by the government, the policy makers.”

It was also recommended that the Parliamentary Registration Department be transitioned into an independent election management body. Thompson said, “I have no problem with an independent electoral body. I think it’s a trend that is going throughout some of the Caribbean countries. I think it will help with a little more efficiency.”

Officials are considering earlier training, staffing needs and other changes ahead of the next general election scheduled for 2031.