Constitution of The BahamasIn briefSets out how the Governor-General chooses the Prime Minister and, on the Prime Minister's advice, the other Ministers, including limits on Ministers from the Senate.
Whenever there shall be occasion for the appointment of a Prime Minister, the Governor-General shall appoint as Prime Minister-
Whenever a Prime Minister needs to be appointed, the Governor-General must appoint as Prime Minister:
the member of the House of Assembly who is the leader of the Party which commands the support of the majority of the members of that House, or
the member of the House of Assembly who leads the party that has the support of the majority of the members of that House; or
if it appears to him that party does not have an undisputed leader in that House or that no party commands the support of such a majority, the member of the House of Assembly who, in his judgment, is most likely to command the support of the majority of members of that House, and who is willing to accept the office of Prime Minister.
if it appears to the Governor-General that the party has no undisputed leader in that House, or that no party has the support of such a majority, the member of the House of Assembly who, in his judgment, is most likely to have the support of the majority of the members of that House and who is willing to accept the office of Prime Minister.
Subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this Article, the Ministers other than the Prime Minister shall be such persons as the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, shall appoint from among the Senators and the members of the House of Assembly.
Subject to paragraph (3) of this Article, the Ministers other than the Prime Minister are the persons the Governor-General appoints, on the advice of the Prime Minister, from among the Senators and the members of the House of Assembly.
If the Attorney-General is appointed from among the members of the House of Assembly, not more than three Ministers shall be appointed from among the Senators, and if the Attorney-General is appointed from among the Senators, not more than two other Ministers shall be appointed from among the Senators.
If the Attorney-General is appointed from among the members of the House of Assembly, no more than three Ministers may be appointed from among the Senators. If the Attorney-General is appointed from among the Senators, no more than two other Ministers may be appointed from among the Senators.
If occasion arises for making an appointment to the office of Prime Minister while Parliament is dissolved, a person who was a member of the House of Assembly immediately before the dissolution may, notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, be appointed as Prime Minister.
If a Prime Minister needs to be appointed while Parliament is dissolved, a person who was a member of the House of Assembly immediately before the dissolution may be appointed Prime Minister, despite anything else in this Article.
If occasion arises for making an appointment to the office of any other Minister while Parliament is dissolved, a person who, immediately before the dissolution, was a Senator or a member of the House of Assembly may, subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this Article, be appointed as a Minister.
If any other Minister needs to be appointed while Parliament is dissolved, a person who was a Senator or a member of the House of Assembly immediately before the dissolution may be appointed as a Minister, subject to paragraph (3) of this Article.