ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) says it will not hesitate to take action against any individual found to be in breach of the Representation of the People Act as campaigning continues here ahead of the April 30 general elections.
In a statement, ABEC responded to what it said were statements made in a recent media broadcast suggesting irregularities in the ongoing Voter Identification Card Replacement Program.
“ABEC reaffirms its commitment to transparency, legality, and accountability. The Commission will not be influenced by conjecture or politically motivated narratives, but will respond decisively to any credible evidence, wherever it may lead.
“The integrity of Antigua and Barbuda’s democracy depends on institutional diligence at ABEC and public responsibility,” ABEC said in its statement.
It said that the statements made in the media broadcast, which appear to be based on unverified sources, raise concerns that some individuals may have obtained their Voter Identification Cards through procedures not in compliance with legal requirements.
ABEC said it considers it necessary to address these claims “clearly and firmly”, adding that the Commission firmly restates that the Card Replacement Program is carried out strictly according to electoral laws and administrative guidelines.
It said that specific procedures require every voter to appear in person for renewal, with appropriate identification and verification measures in place.
“Secondly, while the Commission has no verifiable evidence at this time of systemic breaches or institutional failure, it acknowledges the gravity of any allegations concerning unlawful conduct. Given the significance of this national process, even singular confirmed deviations would represent a serious violation of electoral law and administrative integrity.”
ABEC said, accordingly, it is issuing directives and assurances that “any person with credible information or evidence of irregularities, including instances where procedures may have been circumvented, is strongly urged to report such matters immediately to the Commission.
“All reports will be formally received, documented, and subjected to prompt and impartial investigation,” ABEC said, adding, “where evidence substantiates wrongdoing, appropriate administrative and legal action will be pursued without hesitation against any individual found to be in breach of the Representation of the People Act”.
ABEC said it wanted to underscore the importance of ensuring that only verified information is circulated within the public sphere, “as unsubstantiated claims and speculation may erode confidence in the electoral process.
“Accordingly, ABEC urges all involved parties to act responsibly and differentiate clearly between complaints supported by evidence and unverified rumors or hearsay,” it said, adding “at the same time, the Commission reiterates its earlier and urgent appeal to the electorate (that) all eligible voters must take immediate steps to complete the Voter ID Card Replacement process ahead of General Elections on April 30 and to collect the card from the respective Registration Units as directed by the Commission”
ABEC said it has extended operational hours, increased staffing capacity, and deployed its officers at maximum effort to facilitate public access.
“For sure, the Commission has mobilized all available institutional resources to ensure that every eligible elector is afforded a full and fair opportunity to participate in the card replacement process ahead of the General Elections.”
It said despite these measures, participation levels have somewhat declined with the Commission saying it cannot “overstate that timely compliance by electors is essential to ensuring their ability to vote and to preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
ABEC said 37 candidates have been nominated to contest the snap April 30 general election.
The ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labor Party (ABLP) contests all 17 seats at stake, while the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) is fielding candidates for 16 seats on Antigua, with its affiliate, the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), contesting the seat on Barbuda. There are three independent candidates.
Meanwhile, the Organization of American States (OAS) says it is preparing to deploy its Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) for the elections.
It said that the OAS Secretary, Maricarmen Plata, will lead the 17-member mission for Access to Rights and Equity, and that the team will focus its observations on electoral organization, electoral technology, electoral justice, political-electoral finance, and the political participation of women.
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