On Friday, 27 March, Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed that he had written to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, advising him to dissolve Parliament for a general election that was intended to be held next month.
During the last general election that was held 3 years back on 18 January ’23, the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) secured victory, having won 9 seats. The other seats were secured mainly by the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) and a lone independent candidate.
On the same day, Browne informed legislators that Randy Baltimore of the ABLP had taken the oath of office as a legislator. This appointment was following his by-election victory last week. He had written to Sir Rodney on Friday, 27 March. He had advised him that acting under the powers of the Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981, Section 60, Subsection 1, provided that the Governor General, acting according to the advice of the PM, may at any time prorogue or dissolve Parliament.
Browne said that the intention was to prorogue Parliament and issue the writ on Friday itself. The delay may have placed the UPP at a further disadvantage.
Browne added that he is a Christian, so he believes in mercy. He was told to give them a few more days to get their house in order. He added that it may be clear that even though they are making articulations to the extent that they may be ready, they still have some availability.
As much as we intend to be strategic, again, we don’t wish to put the opposition at a major disadvantage. So, instead of proceeding, as in a case where the election may be held by Friday, 17 April.
Browne said that the government has decided that he will advise the Governor General to dissolve the Parliament on Wednesday, 1st April ’26, by proclamation.
