The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has issued formal media guidelines governing how radio stations, television broadcasters, and print outlets must conduct themselves during the upcoming General Elections, scheduled for April 30, 2026. According to Antigua.news, the rules were issued under Section 36(1) of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2001.
Under the guidelines, no radio or television station operating in Antigua and Barbuda may prevent any registered political party or nominated candidate from broadcasting material intended to promote their candidacy in the forthcoming elections. The same prohibition applies to print media outlets, which are barred from blocking candidates or parties from publishing promotional material.
The guidelines further prohibit any broadcaster or print media outlet from distorting campaign material submitted to them for broadcast or publication. Media houses are also restricted from charging rates above their ordinary or standard hourly advertising rates for campaign-related content, a measure designed to ensure candidates are not priced out of accessing media coverage.
Any radio station, television station, print media outlet, or employee found in violation of these rules faces significant penalties. Upon summary conviction, offenders may be fined $10,000 or sentenced to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year.
