General elections were held in Barbados on 11 February 2026 to elect the 30 members of the House of Assembly. Parliament was dissolved on 19 January and the final day for nominations was 27 January.[1] The two leader candidates were Mia Mottley of the Barbados Labour Party and Ralph Thorne of the Democratic Labour Party. The ruling BLP won all 30 seats for the third election in a row, with DLP leader Thorne being defeated in St. John.[2][3]
Ronnie Yearwood was selected as the next DLP president on 1 May 2022.[9] On 10 February 2024, Ralph Thorne crossed the floor and became opposition leader.[10] After crossing, Thorne appointed Ryan Walters and Tricia Watson as opposition senators.[11] Yearwood confirmed that Thorne officially joined the DLP and became the party's political leader on 19 February the same year.[12] The DLP began losing confidence in Yearwood as DLP president after he attended a meeting with Saint Lucia's opposition leader Allen Chastanet without permission from Thorne.[13] A power struggle within the party followed, with the DLP dividing into factions between Thorne and Yearwood.[14] DLP general secretary Steve Blackett and Yearwood were suspended in May 2024 by the party's general council as a result of the struggle.[15][16] Blackett and Yearwood were expelled from the DLP on 17 August 2024.[17]
On 17 January 2026, Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, called for a new general election to be held less than a month away on 11 February of the same year.[18]
Following the call for an election on 17 January, DLP leader and leader of the opposition stated that the DLP was ready to campaign on cost of living, crime, and the healthcare system.[20] In the early campaign, Grenville Phillips II, party president of Solutions Barbados, remarked that there was no room for a third party in Barbados but he was still willing to support candidates who ran under Solutions Barbados.[21] Reform Barbados founder Steve Prescott stated that his party would platform on economic reform, cost of living, and addressing youth unemployment.[22]
Prime Minister Mia Mottley addressed a crowd on 22 January, detailing the public sector wage increases, reductions in income taxes, improvement of health care, and investments in public transport.[23]Ryan Walters, a DLP candidate in St. Michael North West, stressed that voter engagement was top priority for DLP in the elections.[24]Charles McDonald Griffith, who was running against Thorne in St. John, stating that he had assisted in improvements of public transport, sanitation, and employment.[25]
BLP candidates paid their election deposits on 22 January,[26] followed by both the DLP and Friends of Democracy on 23 January.[27][28] The DLP staged an islandwide motorcade on 24 January, which traveled through the constituencies of Bridgetown, St. Michael, St. James, St. Peter, St. Lucy, St. George, St. John, St. Philip, and Christ Church.[29] Thorne made several claims throughout the election campaign of the BLP-led government "interfering" with the voter list and the work of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC), disenfranchising potential electors. He also called for an extension of voter registration deadlines.[30] Mottley refuted his claims and invited authorities from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Commonwealth of Nations to act as official election observers.[31] She stated this decision was made in a bid to "protect the reputation of Barbados".[32]
The BLP launched their party manifesto on 2 February,[33] while the DLP launched their party manifesto on 8 February.[34] The same day, Mottley criticised the DLP for giving Barbadians little time to analyse the DLP's manifesto.[35] The FOD also outlined their policies on 8 February, calling for affordable housing, budget reform, and the reintroduction of capital and corporal punishment.[36] The secretary general's office of the Commonwealth of Nations, which as a body had fielded election observers from other countries to Barbados, hailed the election as being peaceful and noted the "strong civic participation and respect for democratic rules". The press statement highlighted the fact "some names" were not found on the polling day voter's census. Though the overall election was summarized as being a positive example for the world.[37][38]
Conduct
Early voting was held for police officers and election day workers on 4 February.[39] In previous elections, members of the overseas diplomatic corps have voted early as well. The EBC was reportedly in a state of readiness the day before the 11 February election. Polling was held from 06:00 to 18:00 (AST). Chief Electoral Officer Shirland Turton said there would be 542 polling boxes across the 30 constituencies, and more than 2,500 people were employed to facilitate operations at the various locations.[40]
Candidate affiliation
Ten political parties nominated candidates for this election. Including two independents, there were a total of 93 candidates. The slate of potential electors vying disclosed their affiliation under eight main political affiliations:[31]
The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) – the previous ruling party administration
An independent coalition of smaller parties was announced involving an alliance comprising candidates running under the banner of: the New National Party (NNP), the United Progressive Party (UPP) and the Conservative Barbados Leadership Party (CBLP).[43]
Early results first came in shortly after 11 pm local time, with a victory for the BLP's Santia Bradshaw in Saint Michael South East.[55] A preliminary tally showed the BLP winning 15,978 votes (74.1%) and securing 21 seats, with the DLP winning 5,406 votes (25.1%) with no seats yet secured.[56] By the early morning of 12 February, the BLP secured all 30 seats for the third election in a row.[3] In St. John, Charles Griffith retained the seat with 2,327 votes, defeating DLP leader Ralph Thorne, who received 1,877 votes. In St. Michael North West, incumbent Neil Rowe won with 1,674 votes, defeating a strong challenge from DLP candidate Ryan Walters, who received 1,441 votes. In St. Michael Central and Bridgetown, BLP candidates who crossed the floor from the DLP won their respective races.[55]
Prime Minister Mia Mottley declared a bank holiday for 13 February and announced a nation thanksgiving and rally for 14 February. Mottley remarked that the victory from the elections carried responsibility, not entitlement. She stressed the need to protect democratic institutions and pledged renewed focus on the issues of public safety and health care. Mottley announced that her new cabinet would be sworn in on 16 February and that parliament had been asked to reconvene no later than 20 February.[55]
DLP leader Ralph Thorne described the results as disappointing and vowed that the party would continue to move forward.[59] Thorne also expressed frustration during voting processes, stating that he could not vote in Rendezvous since he had not lived there in more than two decades.[60] Thorne later indicated that he would be stepping down from DLP leadership, stating that the party would rebuild without him at the helm.[61]
People's Coalition for Progress candidate Kemar Stuart raised concerns about voters being left off the electoral list or being enrolled in another constituency. Stuart called for a fixed date for elections, stated that the party was willing to coalition with Friends of Democracy, and opposed a potential constitutional change that would have prevented members of the Assembly from crossing the floor. PCP member Lynette Eastmond also similarly criticised the anti-defection legislation.[62][63]
FOD leader Karina Goodridge congratulated Mottley, stated that the party would remain engaged with the community, and urged perseverance.[63]
International
After Mottley was elected to a third term in office, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered congratulations, commenting that the United States was looking forward in expanding collaboration with the government of Barbados and "strengthening regional security by deepening cooperation to counter transnational criminal organizations and illicit trafficking".[64] Indian prime minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mottley, stating that he looks forward to "working closely with her to further strengthen our partnership for the benefit of our peoples".[65] Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Lin Jian congratulated Mottley in a press briefing, stating that China was "willing to work with Barbados to expand practical cooperation across various fields and to bring their friendship to a new level".[66]
Prime Minister Mottley was sworn in for a third term on 12 February, having taken the oath of office in the presence of PresidentJeffrey Bostic, family members, and invited guests. In her victory speech, she stated that her government would work to reduce poverty and remove injustice so that opportunities for the people of Barbados would be created.[79]
Wilfred Abrahams was also sworn on 12 February as the next Attorney General of Barbados, replacing the retiring Dale Marshall.[80] Abrahams stated that he intended to continue fully staffing the police force and was eager to immediately begin work after meeting with staff.[81]
Mottley's third cabinet was sworn on 16 February, which composed of 22 members of the Assembly and five government senators.[82][83] In an address, Mottley said that the Cabinet represented a team for the changing times, different from the circumstances back in 2018.[84] Mottley also stated that the new term would focus on economic expansion, private sector growth, productivity gains, and expanding affordability.[85]
Eight members of the Assembly and the other seven government senators were sworn in on 19 February.[86] President Bostic, who administered the oath of office, instructed the government senators to operate without fear or favour and do their best to serve the nation of Barbados.[87] Seven independent senators picked by Bostic were sworn in during a later ceremony.[88][89] For the opposition senators, President Bostic requested three to four names for consideration from the DLP.[90] However, the DLP could only provide two names: DLP president Ralph Thorne and businessman Ryan Walters.[91] Bostic decided to swear in FOD leader Karina Goodridge and DLP member Ryan Walters as the two opposition senators.[92] After Walters was sworn in as opposition senator, he became the de facto political leader of the DLP in Parliament, as the DLP had no seats in the House of Assembly.[93] The appointment of Goodridge also made her the first third-party representative appointed to parliamentary office in Barbados, a nation that was traditionally dominated by the BLP and the DLP.[94]
Parliament was formally reopened on 20 February.[95][96] Instead of the traditional speech that outlined the government's programme, President Bostic deviated, choosing to make a personal address of concerns toward the Parliament for the first time in the nation's history, identifying traffic congestion, gun violence, and education as the main topics the Parliament should address.[97] The House of Assembly then moved forward to elect a speaker from someone who did not face the electorate for the first time since Parliament first opened in June 1639.[98][99]Arthur Holder was re-elected as the first independently elected Speaker of the House of Assembly, making him the 31st member of the House of Assembly.[100]
↑ Collaboration between The Nation Newspaper and Starcom Network. Poll figures are based on decided voters only excluding won't say, undecided and non voters
↑Constitution: Section 61 (3): "Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), Parliament, unless sooner dissolved, shall continue for five years from the date of its first sitting after any dissolution and shall then stand dissolved. (4) At any time when Barbados is at war, Parliament may extend the period of five years specified in subsection (3) for not more than twelve months at a time:"
↑"Document Details". Barbados Parliament. Archived from the original on 14 December 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
↑Constitution: Section 62 (1) (2): "After every dissolution of Parliament the Governor General shall issue writs for a general election of members of the House of Assembly returnable within ninety days from that dissolution. (2) As soon as may be after every general election the Governor General shall proceed under section 36 to the appointment of Senators."
↑Clarke, Sherrylyn (1 May 2022). "Yearwood is new DLP president". The Nation Barbados. Archived from the original on 29 December 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2026.
12"Elections 2026". Barbados Today. 11 February 2026. Archived from the original on 20 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
↑"Kevz Decision 26 Decision Centre". Kevz Politics. 11 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026. ST. JAMES CENTRAL: BLP – 2,379, DLP – 853, FOD – 82, IND – 0
↑Springer, Diara (14 February 2026). "'Ready' to join forces". The Nation Barbados. Archived from the original on 20 February 2026. Retrieved 20 February 2026. Lynette Eastmond, head of the United Progressive Party and also PCP member, sharply criticised the Prime Minister's announcement that her parliamentary party planned to introduce antidefection legislation requiring Members of Parliament who leave their party to cross the floor to seek fresh mandates from constituents.
↑Clarke, Sherrylyn (12 February 2026). "Abrahams is new Attorney General". The Nation Barbados. Retrieved 20 February 2026. Abrahams, the Member of Parliament for Christ Church East and an attorney-at-law, was sworn in at State House today by President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic.
↑Clarke, Sherrylyn (16 February 2026). "Cabinet of Barbados". The Nation Barbados. Archived from the original on 20 February 2026. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
↑"Cabinet ministers sworn in". Barbados Today. 16 February 2026. Archived from the original on 20 February 2026. Retrieved 20 February 2026. Cabinet ministers were officially sworn in on Monday at CARIFESTA House, Waterford, St Michael.
↑Clarke, Sherrylyn (16 February 2026). "Chris Sinckler joins new-look Cabinet of Barbados". The Nation Barbados. Retrieved 20 February 2026. "It will demand sober judgement from us, steady hands, and yes, above all else, the courage both to act and to listen. And this is why the Cabinet that is being sworn in today is not just a list of names. It is a structure that has been deliberately balanced, carefully chosen, and repurposed to face the current realities of our moment today," she said.
↑Brathwaite, Sheria (17 February 2026). "Third term, BERT 3.0 era". Barbados Today. Retrieved 20 February 2026. "Our work, therefore, will be grounded with more money in your pockets and more affordable prices where you have to buy critical goods, not your wants but your needs," she said.
↑Rock-Yaw, Tonisha (20 February 2026). "DLP submission a 'troubling misstep'". The Nation Barbados. Retrieved 20 February 2026. The process to appoint Opposition representatives to the Senate seems to have hit a snag after the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) submitted two nominees to President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, despite a formal request for three or four names.
↑Mounsey, Colville (21 February 2026). "DLP faces leadership dilemma". The Nation Barbados. Retrieved 21 February 2026. The person who commands the majority support among the parliamentary group would be the person deemed as political leader. Which is Ryan Walters, who is a member of the Democratic Labour Party, I believe, and who is the only Democratic Labour Party member in the Parliament. So, if it is the obvious choice, then it is obvious that Ryan Walters would be [the political leader].
↑Brathwaite, Sheria; Moore, Shanna (20 February 2026). "President: Decision on opposition senators came after 'sleepless night' of wide consultation". Barbados Today. Archived from the original on 21 February 2026. Retrieved 21 February 2026. At the same time, reports emerged that both the Friends of Democracy and the People's Coalition for Progress had been contacted as word spread that the President was considering candidates beyond the DLP slate and had not confirmed that the party's two nominees would automatically be appointed.
↑Clarke, Sherrylyn (20 February 2026). "Bostic likens gun crime to a Category 5 hurricane". The Nation Barbados. Retrieved 21 February 2026. Deviating from the traditional Throne Speech which articulated the policies of the administration of the day, it identified issues affecting the people and things he deemed of importance.
↑Clarke, Sherrylyn (19 February 2026). "Final preparations for official opening of Parliament tomorrow". The Nation Barbados. Retrieved 20 February 2026. Eastmond said history would be made in the choosing of the Speaker of the House of Assembly. For the first time since Parliament opened in June 1639, the Speaker will be elected from someone who did not face the electorate, becoming the 31st member of the House of Assembly.
↑Bradshaw, Maria (18 February 2026). "Historic change in choosing Speaker". The Nation Barbados. Retrieved 21 February 2026. Barbados is poised to mark a significant milestone in the history of its 385-year-old Parliament on Friday when a Speaker chosen from outside the House of Assembly takes office.
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