A nine-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Election Observation Mission has arrived in Antigua and Barbuda to monitor the general elections scheduled for 30 April 2026.
The mission was established following a formal invitation extended by Prime Minister Gaston Browne in a letter dated 5 April 2026, requesting that the CARICOM Secretariat deploy an observation team. The Secretary-General of CARICOM confirmed the Secretariat would make the necessary arrangements.
The mission is headed by Ms. Maxine McClean, a member of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Barbados. The core team, comprising the Chief of Mission and CARICOM Secretariat staff, arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on 23 April 2026.
In the days leading up to the election, the team is meeting with a broad range of stakeholders. These include the Prime Minister or his representative, the Leader of the Opposition or his representative, the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, and the Supervisor of Elections. The mission will also consult with representatives from civil society — including women, youth, persons with disabilities, the business community, religious organisations, workers' representatives, and the media.
On Election Day, the team will observe all stages of the electoral process, from preparations ahead of the poll's opening to the casting and counting of votes, the closure of polling stations, and the preparation of the Statement of Poll. The mission will gather both quantitative data to assist in verifying results and qualitative observations regarding the conduct of electoral officials, political actors, and the overall electoral environment.
Following the elections, the CARICOM Election Observation Mission will issue a Preliminary Statement offering its initial assessment of the electoral process. A final report will subsequently be prepared and submitted to the CARICOM Secretary-General. That report will be shared with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Leader of the Opposition, the Electoral Commission, and published on the CARICOM website.
The Observation Mission is scheduled to depart Antigua and Barbuda on 3 May 2026.
The mission expressed appreciation to all those contributing to the observation exercise and acknowledged the importance of supporting the democratic process in Antigua and Barbuda, noting the warm welcome and cooperation received since its arrival.
