Commonwealth Observers Renew Call for Independent State Media Oversight

Commonwealth election observers have renewed calls for reforms to strengthen the independence of state-owned media, arguing that changes are needed to improve public confidence in election coverage.

In its final report on the April 30, 2026 general election, the Commonwealth Observer Group recommended that Antigua Broadcasting Service (ABS) be incorporated as a state-owned entity governed by an independent board of directors.

The recommendation, first made by previous Commonwealth observer missions, was presented as a way to address concerns about accessibility, fairness and perceived bias in state media coverage.

“As recommended by the COG in 2023, the incorporation of ABS as a state-owned entity with an independent board of directors governing its policies, operations and programming could help mitigate some of the challenges regarding accessibility, fairness and bias,” the report stated.

The observer group described Antigua and Barbuda’s media environment as active and diverse, with radio, television, online platforms and social media playing significant roles in informing voters during the election campaign. However, the report noted concerns raised by stakeholders regarding political polarization, editorial independence and allegations of bias in state-owned media.

Observers also highlighted the absence of a codified election-specific media code of conduct and called for broader reforms to depoliticize the media landscape. Additional recommendations included establishing an independent media council or monitoring body and encouraging balanced coverage and fair access for all political parties.

The Commonwealth Observer Group concluded that the 2026 election was conducted in a peaceful, orderly and transparent manner overall but said improvements to media regulation and governance would further strengthen trust in the democratic process.

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