The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has announced it will not contest the upcoming snap general election, according to Antigua News Room, marking another significant setback for the party since its formation nearly eight years ago.
The party's management committee reached the decision unanimously, the DNA confirmed in a brief public statement. Prime Minister Gaston Browne is expected to call the election within 90 days. In its statement, the DNA urged all stakeholders to operate within the law and called for elections to be "free and fair, and free from fear."
The DNA was founded in April 2017 following a bitter leadership dispute within the United Progressive Party (UPP) in the wake of that party's 2014 election defeat. Many of its founding members were former UPP figures, a fact that has long fuelled allegations that the party was designed to split the opposition vote — claims the DNA has consistently denied.
Its electoral record has done little to silence those critics. The 2023 general election proved particularly damaging for the party, and was followed by the resignation of most of its candidates.
Led by former MP and senator Joanne Massiah, the DNA stated it remains committed to the long-term development of Antigua and Barbuda. The party also took the opportunity to thank its supporters and members for their "unwavering support" over the years.
