ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda has been dissolved, paving the way for a general election. The dissolution marks the close of the current legislative term and the start of preparations for national polls.
The announcement was made after a Proclamation, dated March 31, 2026, was published in the official Gazette. The measure was issued by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, acting under Section 60(1) of the Constitution and on the advice of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
With the dissolution now in effect as of Wednesday, all members of the House of Representatives and the Senate have vacated their seats, clearing the way for the country to move into a new electoral cycle.
Authorities are expected to begin the necessary administrative and logistical arrangements to facilitate general elections within the timeframe set out by law.
Government officials emphasized that the move is a routine constitutional step that signals the end of one parliamentary chapter and the beginning of another—placing the power of decision firmly in the hands of the electorate.
Based on this, citizens are being urged to verify their voter registration status and ensure their identification documents are in order ahead of the polls.
The Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to overseeing a process that is free, fair, transparent, and orderly, in keeping with Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic traditions.
Under the Constitution, at least 21 days must pass between the issuance of the Writ of Election and the holding of a general election, and a general election must be held within three months of dissolution.
The Prime Minister has previously indicated that elections would take place 21 days after the writ is issued.
The Prime Minister had previously indicated he initially intended to move sooner, but reconsidered after colleagues recommended giving the main opposition, the United Progressive Party, additional time to finalize its slate of candidates and organize its affairs.
The decision to dissolve Parliament now comes ahead of the constitutional deadline.
The last general election was held on January 18, 2023. While the next election was not required until 2028, the Prime Minister has the authority to call an earlier election by advising the Governor General to dissolve Parliament.
With Parliament now dissolved, all eyes turn to the announcement of an official polling date.
and then 