ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has officially declared that general elections in Antigua and Barbuda will be conducted within the next 90 days, signaling a strategic move to capitalize on his party’s recent political momentum. The announcement came during Browne’s weekly radio address on Saturday, where he directed ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidates to initiate immediate door-to-door campaigns to ensure voter re-registration.
Browne, who made history as the first prime minister to secure three consecutive terms, emphatically urged citizens to ‘do the responsible thing’ by updating their registration promptly. ‘I would say within 90 days and the earlier you go to get your card, the better,’ he stated, framing the election timeline as both urgent and inevitable.
This calculated decision follows a decisive by-election victory last Monday in St. Philip North, where ABLP candidate Randy Baltimore secured a landslide win with 924 votes (69.5%) against main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate Alex Browne’s 406 votes (30.5%). The seat had been held for five decades by Sir Robin Yearwood before his retirement.
Regional political analyst Peter Wickham of Barbados had previously advised Browne to call early elections, noting the ABLP’s strengthened position following the by-election. Wickham highlighted concerning trends within the opposition UPP, including leadership challenges under Jamale Pringle, loss of key constituencies, and defection of candidates. He suggested the UPP requires urgent leadership reconsideration through a special conference.
The current parliamentary composition shows ABLP holding nine of 17 seats, with UPP controlling six, the Barbuda People’s Movement holding one, and one independent seat. Recent political shifts include UPP’s gain following the murder of opposition legislator Asot Michael, countered by UPP legislator Anthony Smith’s defection to ABLP where he now serves as Agriculture Minister.
The upcoming election will test whether Browne’s early call can convert recent by-election success into a renewed governing mandate, while opposition forces grapple with internal restructuring challenges.