Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Photo Credit: CARICOM
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua & Barbuda has secured a third consecutive term in office for the Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), after citizens headed to the polls on Wednesday.
ABLP’s victory, however, was achieved by the slimmest of margins, only managing to capture nine of the seventeen seats in Parliament, down from fifteen after the previous election. The main opposition the United Progressive Party improved their standing in the House of Representatives with six seats in this election, while independent candidate (and former ABLP Cabinet Minister) Asot Michael was re-elected in his constituency of Saint Peter. The Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) one again captured the island’s lone constituency.
The Democratic National Alliance will have no voice in Parliament after failing to secure a seat in the House.
Just under 61,000 Antiguans voted at over 180 polling stations across the country, representing a reduced voter turnout of approximately 70%, compared with near 76% turnout in 2018’s general election.
Wednesday’s election was monitored by observer missions from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as well as the Organization of American States (OAS)
Mr. Browne was sworn into office on Thursday, a national holiday.
