Prime Minister Gaston Browne has indicated that general elections are likely to be held between April 22 and April 30, as his administration moves to prorogue Parliament next week and issue the election writ shortly thereafter.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks on the Browne and Browne Show, explaining that the proposed timeline is shaped by the constitutionally mandated 21 clear days required between the issuing of the writ and polling day — a period that includes weekends and public holidays.
"I did indicate that… one can speculate that the elections will be held between the 22nd and the 30th of April," Browne said, noting that minor adjustments remain possible depending on timing and the Easter period.
Browne confirmed that Parliament is expected to be prorogued on Wednesday, after which the election writ could be issued within days, formally setting the election process in motion.
The Prime Minister also issued an urgent appeal to voters to have their identification cards validated before the polls open. He warned that limited processing capacity could leave some electors unable to cast their ballots if they wait until the final days.
"I want to encourage all electors who have not had their cards revalidated or validated that they do so, especially within the next two weeks," Browne said, cautioning that a last-minute rush could result in people being "inadvertently disenfranchised."
Despite characterising the opposition as "divided and unprepared," Browne urged his supporters to remain focused and avoid complacency, recalling that poor voter turnout in previous elections had nearly cost his party at the polls.
"It is not won until it is won… our people must be vigilant," he said.
The comments come as political parties across Antigua and Barbuda accelerate preparations for the anticipated general election.
