Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned supporters of the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) not to become complacent as the country heads toward a general election that could be held as early as next month.
Browne revealed on his weekly radio programme that he has already written to Governor‑General Sir Rodney Williams, advising him to dissolve Parliament under Section 60(1) of the Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981. The move would trigger the issuance of election writs and set the timetable for polls.
"We have caught the UPP, let’s say divided and unprepared," Browne said. "It’s never good for a political party to be caught unprepared, much less divided. So there are two things going for us, but at the same time we ought not take them for granted. The risk is that our comrades think we already won and there’s no need to get their voter‑identification cards validated or to vote."
The Prime Minister also explained that the government had initially intended to prorogue Parliament and issue the writ immediately, which could have led to elections by 17 April. However, he opted to give the opposition a few more days to finalise its candidate list, citing a desire to avoid giving the United Progressive Party (UPP) an unfair disadvantage.
The ABLP won nine of the 17 seats in the last election held on 18 January 2023, with the UPP taking the remaining seats and one independent candidate. A recent by‑election saw ABLP candidate Randy Baltimore sworn in as a legislator.
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has already announced it will not contest the upcoming polls, stating that it will not participate in the snap election expected within 90 days.
Browne’s remarks come as the country prepares for a potentially contentious campaign. He urged party members to remain focused and not assume victory, stressing that the electorate’s voice must still be heard.
"I am a Christian man, and I believe in mercy," he added. "So I’ve been advised to give them a few more days to get their house in order, because clearly, even though they are making articulations to the extent that they are ready, they still do not have a full slate as yet. We do not want to put the opposition at a major disadvantage."
