ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC- Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Friday, said he has formally advised Governor General Rodney Williams to dissolve Parliament on April 1, paving the way for a general election in Antigua and Barbuda.
Browne told Parliament that the advice was given in accordance with Section 60(1) of the Constitution, which allows the Governor General to dissolve Parliament acting on the prime minister’s advice.
He said that a decision will be made whether to ask the Governor General to issue the Writ of Election on April 1, or within a week of that date.
He said he intended to dissolve the legislature today. Still, some of his colleagues suggested that he give the main opposition United Progressive Party(UPP) a few more days to get a full slate and “their house in order.”
Browne, who became the first Antigua and Barbuda prime minister elected to three consecutive terms, said a letter will therefore be written to the Governor General next week regarding the date for the issuance of the Writ, nomination day, and the date for the general election.
Under the Constitution, there must be a minimum of 21 days’ notice for a general election.
The last general election was held on January 18, 2023, with the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) winning nine of the 17 seats.
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