Independent Candidates Join Full Slate for Antigua and Barbuda's April 30 General Election

Three independent candidates have entered the race for seats in the House of Representatives as nominations officially closed for Antigua and Barbuda's April 30 general election, according to Antigua News Room.

Debbie Pero Georges will contest St. George, Alan Weston will run in St. Paul, and Nigel Bascus will stand in St. John's Rural West — each creating three-way contests in their respective constituencies.

The majority of constituencies across the country feature direct contests between the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the United Progressive Party (UPP). The Barbuda People's Movement (BPM) also has one candidate in the field.

In Barbuda, ABLP candidate Kendra Beazer will face BPM's Trevor Walker. St. George will see a three-way race among ABLP's Michael Freeland, UPP's Kelton Dalso, and independent Debbie Pero Georges.

In the capital, St. John's City West features ABLP leader and Prime Minister Gaston Browne against UPP candidate Alister Thomas. St. John's City South pits ABLP's Steadroy "Cutie" Benjamin against UPP's Adrian Williams, while St. John's City East sees ABLP's Melford Nicholas face UPP's Pearl Quinn-Williams.

In St. John's Rural South, Daryll Matthew of the ABLP will contest against Emanuel Peters of the UPP. St. John's Rural West is confirmed as a three-way race, and St. John's Rural North pits Henry Charles Fernandez (ABLP) against Malaka Parker.

In St. Mary's North, Dr. Philmore Benjamin (ABLP) will face Jonathan Joseph (UPP). St. Mary's South sees Dwayne George (ABLP) contest against Kelvin Simon (UPP).

The All Saints East and St. Luke constituency will feature Lamin Newton James (ABLP) against Jamal Pringle (UPP), while All Saints West sees ABLP's Anthony Smith Jr. take on UPP's Harold Lovell.

In St. Peter, Rawdon Turner (ABLP) will face George Wehner Weste (UPP). St. Philip North and St. Philip South also feature direct contests between the two major parties.

All nominations were made under the Representation of the People Act, confirming the full list of candidates eligible to contest seats. Antigua and Barbuda goes to the polls on April 30.