Parliament Dissolved, Antigua and Barbuda in election mode

Parliament Dissolved After Browne Grants Opposition Extra Time Before Elections

Parliament has been dissolved in Antigua and Barbuda, after Prime Minister Gaston Browne moved ahead with plans he outlined last Friday, saying the government delayed the process slightly to give the opposition time to prepare for elections.

Addressing Parliament, Browne confirmed he had written to Governor General Rodney Williams invoking Section 60 of the Constitution to dissolve Parliament, setting the stage for a general election expected within weeks.

He revealed that the administration had initially intended to dissolve Parliament immediately and issue the writ the same day, which would have led to elections within 21 days.

However, Browne said that plan was adjusted after colleagues urged him to show “a little mercy,” as the opposition had not yet finalized its slate of candidates.

“We don’t want to put the opposition at a major disadvantage,” he told the House, adding that they would be given only a short window — less than a week — to get ready.

The Prime Minister indicated that he will instruct the Governor Genersl when to issue the writ of election. If issued later this month, voting would take place 21 days afterward, potentially placing elections toward the end of April.

He also signalled that the timeline will remain tight, noting the government does not intend to extend the preparation period beyond a few additional days.

The dissolution formally ends the current parliamentary term and launches the country into election mode, with key dates for nominations and polling expected to be announced once the writ is issued.

It is widely anticipated that the ABLP Llader will announce the election date when the party launches its re-election bid on April 7.

Meanwhile, Browne has warned supporters of the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party against complacency, despite polling data suggesting a strong lead ahead of the vote.

Speaking on his weekly radio programme, he said supporters must ensure they are prepared to vote and complete voter identification requirements, cautioning that overconfidence could hurt turnout.

“It is not won until it is won,” Browne said, recalling that some supporters stayed home during the 2023 election believing victory was assured.

He pointed to new polling figures showing the ABLP at 49 per cent support compared with 26 per cent for the United Progressive Party, while his personal approval rating stands at 59 per cent against 15 per cent for Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle.

Browne said the data reflects what he described as a “decisive shift” in voter support, adding that surveys conducted by regional pollsters in Barbados and Jamaica showed similar trends. The UPP has not publicly responded to the claims.

In a further development, the Democratic National Alliance has announced it will not contest the upcoming election. The party, led by former legislator Joanne Massiah, said the decision was made unanimously by its management committee.

The DNA thanked its supporters and confirmed it would sit out the snap polls expected within the coming weeks.

At the last general election held on January 18, 2023, the ABLP secured nine of the 17 seats, with the remaining seats going to the UPP and one independent candidate.

With Parliament now dissolved and the writ of election pending, political parties are expected to intensify preparations as the country moves rapidly toward another general election.

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