Rush to Renew Voter ID Cards as Antigua and Barbuda Nears Election

A surge in voter ID card renewals is being reported in Antigua and Barbuda as the country moves closer to general elections expected within weeks.

The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) says 929 people applied to replace expired voter ID cards on Monday and Tuesday, immediately after Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced that elections will be held within 90 days.

The increase marks a sharp rise in activity. By 24 March, 1,450 applications had been recorded for the month—almost three times February’s total and more than four times January’s figure.

In total, just over 20,600 voters have renewed their identification cards so far.

ABEC says three constituencies—St Peter, St Philip North and Barbuda—have already exceeded 70% renewal among eligible voters.

The commission noted that uptake had been slow since the process began last August, but says the recent spike reflects growing public engagement as election preparations intensify.

Elections are expected in early May, with campaigning already under way. The ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has urged supporters to ensure their documents are up to date ahead of polling day.

ABEC says it remains prepared for the vote, with plans to rehire returning officers and polling staff from the 2023 election, alongside refresher training.

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