General elections were held in the Bahamas on 19 July 1977 for all 38 seats in the House of Assembly. This was the first election since independence in 1973.

Electoral System

Members of the House of Assembly are elected from single-member constituencies using first-past-the-post voting. The majority party then selects the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the Governor-General.

Political Parties

Four parties were in contention for the House of Assembly seats: the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) under the leadership of Prime Minister Lynden Pindling, the Bahamas Democratic Party (BDP), the Free National Movement (FNM) and the newly formed Vanguard Socialist Party. Also in the running were 12 independent candidates.

Background & Campaign

Central issues during the six-week campaign related to economic questions (especially unemployment) and corruption in public life. The Prime Minister called for a mixed economy and contended that his party was best suited to lead the country after 10 consecutive years in office.

Results

On polling day, the PLP soundly defeated the divided opposition, adding to its pre-election Assembly total. Pindling formed a new, slightly enlarged, Cabinet on July 29.

Voter Turnout

Voter turnout was 89.92%.