The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) will not contest the upcoming snap general elections, the party confirmed this week, ending speculation about its participation in the vote expected to be called within 90 days.
According to Antigua.news, the party's Management Committee met earlier this week and unanimously resolved to sit out the elections. In a brief statement, the DNA confirmed the decision and urged all stakeholders to conduct themselves within the law, calling for elections "free and fair, and free from fear."
The DNA was founded on April 18, 2017, following a fractious leadership battle within the United Progressive Party in the wake of their 2014 election defeat. From its inception, the party drew heavily from UPP ranks, with many of its founding members and candidates being former UPP stalwarts.
That overlap fuelled persistent accusations that the DNA was a calculated instrument designed to split the opposition vote and siphon support away from the UPP. Those accusations dogged the party through the 2023 general elections and have never fully dissipated.
The party's track record at the polls did little to silence its critics. The January 2023 general elections proved particularly damaging, triggering resignations from nearly all of its previous candidates.
Led by former MP and Senator Joanne Massiah, the DNA closed its statement by insisting the party "remains committed to the long-term development and prosperity of Antigua and Barbuda." The party also took the opportunity to thank its supporters, members, and well-wishers for what it described as their "unwavering support, encouragement and prayers over the years."
