The chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, Arthur Thomas, has directed all political parties to remove campaign materials from polling divisions ahead of the April 30 general elections. According to Antigua News Room, Thomas issued the order during a national address, emphasising that voting areas must remain neutral and free from outside influence.
"I also take this opportunity to remind all political parties of their legal and civic obligations to remove political paraphernalia from polling divisions ahead of Election Day," Thomas said. "The polling environment must remain neutral, orderly and free from undue influence."
The directive comes as the commission intensifies preparations for the upcoming vote, with officials working to ensure a credible and orderly electoral process.
Thomas also urged voters who have not yet replaced their voter identification cards to do so without delay, warning that no one will be permitted to cast a ballot without a valid ID.
"If you have not yet replaced your voter's ID card, you must do so immediately," he said. "Let me be clear: No elector can be permitted to vote without a valid voter identification card."
The commission has extended its operating hours, increased staffing levels and deployed additional resources to assist voters through the replacement process. Thomas made clear, however, that the responsibility now rests with individual voters to take action.
Beyond logistical concerns, the chairman called on citizens to conduct themselves with order and respect on Election Day — toward election officials, security personnel and supporters of rival parties alike.
"Order, compliance and mutual respect are not optional. They are essential to the credibility of the outcome," he said.
Thomas described elections as the cornerstone of democracy and urged the public to participate "responsibly, peacefully and lawfully," calling it the collective duty of every citizen to uphold the nation's democratic traditions.
