Parliament has been formally dissolved in Antigua and Barbuda, launching the nation into election mode ahead of a general election expected within weeks, according to Antigua News Room.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne addressed Parliament to confirm he had written to Governor General Rodney Williams invoking Section 60 of the Constitution to dissolve the legislature. The move follows plans Browne outlined publicly last Friday.
Browne revealed that the administration had originally intended to dissolve Parliament immediately and issue the writ of election the same day, which would have triggered a vote within 21 days. However, he said colleagues urged him to show "a little mercy" toward the opposition, which had not yet finalised its slate of candidates.
"We don't want to put the opposition at a major disadvantage," Browne told the House, though he made clear the window granted would be short — less than a week.
The Prime Minister indicated he will instruct the Governor General on when to issue the writ of election. If issued later this month, polling would take place 21 days afterward, potentially placing election day toward the end of April. Browne signalled the government does not intend to extend the preparation period beyond a few additional days.
It is widely anticipated that the ABLP leader will announce the official election date when the party launches its re-election bid on April 7. The dissolution formally ends the current parliamentary term, with nomination and polling dates expected to be confirmed once the writ is issued.
Despite polling data suggesting a strong lead, Browne has warned ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party supporters against complacency. Speaking on his weekly radio programme, he urged supporters to complete voter identification requirements and turn out to vote.
"It is not won until it is won," Browne said, referencing the 2023 election, when he cautioned that some supporters stayed home believing victory was already secured.
Browne cited new polling figures placing the ABLP at 49 per cent support compared with 26 per cent for the United Progressive Party. His personal approval rating was reported at 59 per cent, against 15 per cent for Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle. He described the data as reflecting a "decisive shift" in voter support, adding that regional pollsters in Barbados and Jamaica recorded similar trends. The UPP has not publicly responded to the claims.
In a further development, the Democratic National Alliance announced it will not contest the upcoming election. The party, led by former legislator Joanne Massiah, said its management committee made the decision unanimously. The DNA thanked its supporters and confirmed it would sit out the snap polls.
At the last general election, held on January 18, 2023, the ABLP secured nine of the 17 parliamentary seats. The UPP and one independent candidate claimed the remaining seats.
With Parliament dissolved and the writ of election pending, political parties are expected to intensify preparations as Antigua and Barbuda moves rapidly toward another general election.
