The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has declared the April 30, 2026 General Elections in Antigua and Barbuda peaceful, orderly and credibly administered, following a comprehensive observation mission deployed at the invitation of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett mounted a six-member CARICOM Election Observer Mission (CEOM) comprising electoral experts drawn from Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
Mission members arrived in Antigua and Barbuda between April 23 and 27, with departure scheduled for May 3. Before Election Day, the CEOM consulted widely with stakeholders across Antiguan and Barbudan society. Those meetings included sessions with Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne, Leader of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP); United Progressive Party (UPP) Leader Mr. Lars Jamale Pringle; Independent Media representative Mr. Kieron Murdoch; social media political personality Mr. Darren Matthew-Ward; ABS Media General Manager Ms. Erna-Mae Braithwaite and Deputy Director Mr. Garfield Burford; Commissioner of Police Mr. Everton Jeffers; and social media personality Ms. Angelica O'Donoghue. The team also engaged with the Antigua and Barbuda Elections Commission and the Supervisor of Elections to assess the atmosphere and overall level of preparedness ahead of polling day.
On Election Day, CEOM teams were deployed across the island, visiting 16 of the 17 constituencies and covering 182 of the 185 polling stations. Observers engaged with Returning Officers, Presiding Officers and other stakeholders throughout the day.
Teams arrived at polling stations ahead of the 6:00 a.m. opening and reported adequate police presence, timely delivery of election supplies and the presence of two polling agents from each political party. Required notices and instructions to electors were posted, and opening procedures were carried out as mandated. Polling stations opened on time, and voters cast their ballots in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere.
Throughout the voting process, observers noted that electoral rolls were prominently posted at stations, allowing electors to verify their registration. Information Clerks were on hand to assist voters and direct them to the correct polling booths. Polling staff were described as adequately trained and courteous, assisting incapacitated and elderly voters and providing impartial guidance on voting procedures. Voter turnout peaked during the morning hours and again shortly before polls closed at 6:00 p.m., with a noticeable lull during the midday period.
At the close of poll, queues were largely absent. In the few instances where voters remained in line at the 6:00 p.m. deadline, they were permitted to vote in accordance with the applicable regulations. The CEOM monitored the sealing of ballot boxes and their transportation to counting stations, where ballots were opened in the presence of polling agents and observers and counted in accordance with established procedures.
In its overall assessment, the CEOM concluded that electors were able to exercise their franchise freely, peacefully and without significant incident. The mission commended polling day workers for their professionalism and praised the police for maintaining law and order at polling locations.
The CEOM congratulated the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission for its administration of the electoral process, and acknowledged the political parties, their agents and supporters for the peaceful and orderly manner in which they conducted themselves throughout Election Day.
The mission extended appreciation to Secretary-General Barnett for the invitation to participate and for logistical support provided throughout. The CEOM also thanked all individuals and organisations who made themselves available during the pre-election consultations.
The statement released by the mission is an interim assessment. A final report detailing findings and recommendations will be submitted to the CARICOM Secretary-General in the coming weeks. CARICOM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Antigua and Barbuda's democratic process and the country's pursuit of a peaceful, unified and prosperous future.
