Political Finance Database

Bahamas

Bahamas

2018
Bans and limits on private income
Public funding
Regulations of spending
Reporting, oversight and sanctions
Question Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding. [...] The origin of private funds is not regulated and there are no prohibitions on foreign and anonymous sources."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding. [...] The origin of private funds is not regulated and there are no prohibitions on foreign and anonymous sources."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding. [...] The origin of private funds is not regulated and there are no prohibitions on foreign and anonymous sources."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding. [...] The origin of private funds is not regulated and there are no prohibitions on foreign and anonymous sources."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

BLANK

16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

BLANK

18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

BLANK

20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding."
Source:  OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

Question Value
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?
Code
No public funding available
Comment

There is no regulation regarding political finance.

Source

Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017  21 April 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding. There is no public funding for political parties or candidates, meaning electoral campaigns are privately funded."
OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding. In addition, political parties do not directly receive state funding to support their activities."
The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

BLANK

30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

BLANK

31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

BLANK

32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017  21 April 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding. There is no public funding for political parties or candidates, meaning electoral campaigns are privately funded."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

BLANK

34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017  21 April 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding. There is no public funding for political parties or candidates, meaning electoral campaigns are privately funded."

 

Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017  21 April 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding. There is no public funding for political parties or candidates, meaning electoral campaigns are privately funded."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."

 

Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017  21 April 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding. There is no public funding for political parties or candidates, meaning electoral campaigns are privately funded."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding. In addition, political parties do not directly receive state funding to support their activities."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017  21 April 2017

"The Bahamas has no regulations regarding political-electoral financing or disclosure of sources of funding. There is no public funding for political parties or candidates, meaning electoral campaigns are privately funded."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."

 

Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

Question Value
38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
Code
Yes
Comment

BLANK

Source

"The following persons shall be guilty of an offence against this Act

a) every person who shall, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, give, lend, or agree to give or lend, or shall offer, promise or promise to procure, or to endeavor to procure, any money or valuable consideration to or for any voter, or to or for any person on behalf of any voter, or to or for any person in order to induce any voter to vote or refrain from voting, or shall do any such act as aforesaid on account of any such voter having voted or refrained from voting at any election.

Source: Section 96, Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

BLANK

41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

BLANK

43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

Question Value
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?
Code
No
Comment

There are no regulations regarding political finance.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?
Code
No
Comment

There are no obligations regarding political finance reporting.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?
Code
No
Comment

There are no obligations regarding political finance reporting.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?
Code
No
Comment

There are no obligations regarding political finance reporting.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?
Code
No Institution specified
Comment

BLANK

56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?
Code
No institution specified
Comment

There are no obligations regarding political finance reporting.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
Code
Not applicable
Comment

There are no obligations regarding political finance reporting.

Source

Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (Reprint) 2017, 2017

"The Bahamas sets no limits on campaign spending and political parties are not required to disclose their finances."
Source: OAS (2017), Report to the Permanent Council, OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, General Elections, May 10, 2017, OAS

"There is no legislative framework governing campaign financing and political parties are not under any obligation to declare their sources of funding."
Source: The Commonwealth (2017), Reports of the Commonwealth Observer Group, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas General Elections, 10 May 2017, The Commonwealth, London

58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?
Code
  • Prison
  • Loss of political rights
  • Loss of elected office
Comment

Sanctions are provided only in case of corruption.

Source

No person shall be qualified to be appointed as a Senator who [...]

h) is disqualified for membership of the House of Assembly by virtue of any law in force in The Bahamas by reason of his having been convicted for any offence relating to elections;

Source: Section 42 (1), Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, 1973

No person shall be qualified to be elected as a member of the House of Assembly who [...]

h) is disqualified for membership of the House of Assembly by virtue of any law in force in The Bahamas by reason of his having been convicted of any offence relating to elections;

Source: Section 48 (1), Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, 1973

“Whoever is guilty of corruption, intimidation, or personation in respect of a public election, is guilty of a misdemeanour and shall be liable to imprisonment for nine months, and shall, during seven years from the date of his conviction, be incapable of voting at any public election and of holding the public office in respect of which the election was held, or any public office of the same nature.”

Source: Section 468 (1), Penal Code, 1927

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