Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has strongly indicated potential early general elections in 2026, deviating from the constitutionally mandated 2027 timeline. During her Christmas gathering at Ilaro Court, the official residence, Mottley delivered a rallying cry to Barbados Labour Party (BLP) supporters, emphasizing the need for preparedness in the coming year.
The Prime Minister, who secured unprecedented 30-0 victories in both 2018 and 2022 elections, declared: ‘We are all turning up for work in 2026. If something can be done, it is this Barbados Labour Party that will do it.’ Her address received enthusiastic applause from attendees as she urged party members to remain ‘red and ready’ for potential political mobilization.
This early election speculation aligns with regional trends, following Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s similar decision earlier this month. Political analyst Peter Wickham previously noted the likelihood of Mottley continuing her pattern of early election calls, citing her political history.
Several developments suggest election preparations are underway: approximately 2,000 public servants are receiving permanent appointments, teacher vacation leave reinstatements are planned, and significant voter list reforms are progressing. Electoral Boundaries Commission Chairman Ramon Alleyne confirmed the removal of over 8,000 ineligible voters—including 4,923 overseas residents and 3,368 deceased individuals—with a cleaned register targeted for January 31 completion.
Simultaneously, BLP has addressed parliamentary vacancies created by retiring MPs Dale Marshall (St. Joseph) and Cynthia Forde (St. Thomas), appointing Senator Gregory Nicholls and businessman Ryan Brathwaite as respective replacements. Both governing and opposition Democratic Labour Party representatives have intensified constituency engagements nationwide.
Mottley framed the Christmas event as a unification opportunity, acknowledging sustained economic progress including 17 consecutive growth quarters, record-low unemployment, and unprecedented foreign reserve levels, while recognizing ongoing challenges requiring continued political commitment.