Antigua and Barbuda PM invites international observers ahead of expected election

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has written to regional and international organizations requesting election observers ahead of general elections that he is expected to announce later this week.

In letters sent to the Caribbean Community Secretariat, the Organization of American States, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, Browne indicated his intention to announce the election date on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

“It is my intention, on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, to announce the date for the holding of general elections to elect a new government,” Browne wrote.

Browne, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term as prime minister, said the Antigua and Barbuda government would welcome the presence of Electoral Observer Missions.

“In these circumstances, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda would welcome the presence of an Electoral Observer Mission,” he stated, adding that “all customary facilities and courtesies accorded to previous Electoral Observer Missions will be extended.”

The move follows the dissolution of Parliament by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, who acted under Section 60(1) of the Constitution and on the advice of the prime minister. The dissolution paves the way for general elections to be held approximately five months ahead of the constitutional deadline.

The upcoming election is expected to be a direct contest between the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party and the main opposition United Progressive Party.

Meanwhile, the Democratic National Alliance has already announced that it will not field candidates in the election.

In the last general election held on January 18, 2023, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party secured nine of the 17 seats in Parliament. The remaining seats were won by the United Progressive Party and one independent candidate.

The upcoming polls are expected to draw significant regional and international attention as voters prepare to choose a new government.