Prime Minister Perry Christie this morning called the failed gender equality a setback for the program of constitutional reform.

Christie told Parliament the entire process was "open, transparent and fair".

Christie commended the people of the Bahamas for the historic vote, as well as the leaders of the yes vote campaign, the Constitutional Commission and female members of parliament, whom he said worked hard to advance the vote.

He said despite the setback, the program of constitutional reform must continue, even though, "the when, how, will be decided by the Constitutional Commission, the government, the opposition and civil society".

"The voice of the people has sounded in the land. It needs to be respected and honored and it will," the prime minister said.

Christie said although a setback, it's by no means an end to the process of constitutional reform.

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