Antigua Prime Minister calls general election for April 30

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne Tuesday night announced that general elections in Antigua and Barbuda will be held on April 30, urging supporters to deliver a decisive victory for the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) in all 17 constituencies.

Browne made the announcement during a political rally, confirming that Nomination Day has been set for April 13.

“But one final thing. One final announcement. So our distinguished Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, today issued the writ of elections. And Nomination Day will be on Monday, the 13th of April. That’s Monday, the 13th of April. Are you ready for the big date? Are you ready? And polling day will be on April 30th, 2026,” Browne said.

He also told supporters that a public holiday would be observed following what he predicted would be a victory for his party.

“And when we would have defeated them on the 30th, the following day will be a public holiday. We shall celebrate Labour Day in grand style,” Browne told supporters at the rally.

Browne further urged party supporters to unite behind the ABLP ahead of the polls.

“This is your renaissance. Let us stand together. Let us move forward together. Let us win together. Say with me a last time, labour, labour, labour, labour. May God continue to bless you. Much love and blessings,” Browne said.

The election is expected to be a straight contest between the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP).

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has already announced that it will not field candidates in the election.

In the last general election, held on January 18, 2023, the ABLP won nine of the 17 seats, while the remaining seats went to the UPP and a lone independent candidate.