Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles in her capacity as Provost Marshall read a proclamation from the Governor General dissolving Parliament on Wednesday. This means that all seats in the House of Assembly are now vacant ahead of the upcoming general election.

The proclamation read, “and whereas article 65 of the constitution provides that each session of parliament shall be held at such place and commence at such time as the Governor General may by proclamation appoint. Now, therefore, I Dame Cynthia A. Pratt, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, do hereby proclaim that the next session of Parliament shall be held in the city of Nassau in the island of New Providence on Wednesday the 20th day of May, 2026 and shall commence at 10 o clock in the fore noon.”

Progressive Liberal Party Chairman, Fred Mitchell was present outside of the House Of Assembly for the reading of the proclamation and spoke with reporters urging eligible voters to register before the end of the April 8th deadline.

He said, “the writ of elections, I’m advised, will be issued tomorrow. So that means that the last day for registering is today. So those who have not managed to do so please do so, today. And please be patient. I mean people have complained about the lines and the fact that it is been slow but just be patient and I think that it will all get done.”

The 2026 general election is scheduled to take place on May 12th.