ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Apr 13, CMC – Antigua and Barbuda’s two main political parties are expected to nominate candidates for all 17 constituencies on Monday as both parties continue to urge voters to cast their ballots for them in the April 30 general election, called almost two years ahead of the constitutional deadline.
Apart from the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), and a number of independent contenders are expected to nominate their candidates.
The nomination process is taking place across all 17 constituencies, and according to guidelines issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC), nomination proceedings will take place during the hours 8.00 to 6.00 pm (local time).
It said that all candidates must submit completed nomination papers and meet all legal requirements to contest the election. Each candidate is also required to pay a deposit of EC$500 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) and provide written consent to be nominated, with the process overseen by the returning officer in each constituency.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term in office, in a video message, urged supports to ensure the party is victorious at the polls. Watch video
“… the wars and chaos around the world means higher prices and an uncertain future. The world is entering a new era, and so is Antigua and Barbuda. On election day, you must ask yourselves, which leader and team is strong enough, steady enough to see our country through,” Browne said.
“We offer a renaissance in changing times. We repealed the personal income tax, increased the minimum wage, increased public sector wages, increased social security and occupational pensions, to put more money into your pockets. We expanded the food voucher programme, expanded the zero-rated ABSD on essential foods, and rolled out affordable broadband.
“We are literally building new hotels. We expanded diverse osmosis plants to provide more water. And we have ongoing roadworks that are taking place in every single constituency.”
Browne, who was re-elected leader of the ABLP at a special convention over the last weekend, reminded the voters that “the world is entering a new era, and there is a renaissance in Antigua and Barbuda.
“On election day, do not take a risk on a leader and a team that’s just not ready. Let’s keep Antigua and Barbuda in strong and safe hands,” he added.
But the UPP leader dismissed Browne’s call, saying that Antigua and Barbudans have suffered for too long under the current administration.
He said that people have been “running behind politicians like beggars” as they seek to deal with the high cost of living here.
“I’m saying to you brothers and sisters, let me talk about what it costs just to live in the country. Duty 35 percent, RRC (Revenue Recovery Charge) 15 percent, ABST (Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax) 17 per cent.
“When you add that, you’re looking at over 60 per cent and you still have to add the Environmental Levy, which carry you in excess of 70 per cent,” said Pringle who is leading the party into a general election for the first time.
“What will be a policy of the United Progressive Party? We will remove all import duties on vehicles for personal use. And with this policy, you will not have to go to a politician to access this. No longer will the people of will be subjected to the whim and fancy of a political party or a candidate or political person.
“We will ensure that policies are geared towards everybody without political interference. That is what the UPP will offer you,” Pringle said, pledging also that a UPP administration would provide farmers with full support by ensuring agricultural inputs and equipment are tax-free.
“We are giving our farmers full support… totally tax-free in Antigua and Barbuda. We will never tax the tools of the people who grow our food.”
He is also promising to provide immediate relief for households struggling with unreliable water supply and that a UPP government would remove taxes on key water storage equipment and roll out a targeted relief programme.
“We will take off all taxes on pumps, pressure tanks, water tanks,” Pringle said, adding that the measure is intended to ensure households can store and access water even when supply is inconsistent. Watch video
“This is not inconvenience. This is indignity. And we will end it,” he told supporters, referencing situations where households go without water for daily needs.
In the last general election, held on January 18, 2023, the ABLP won nine of the 17 seats with the remainder going to the UPP and a lone independent candidate.
Download video – Prime Minister Gaston Browne
Download video – UPP leader Jamale Pringle
CMC/ag/ir/2026