Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams has issued a proclamation dissolving the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda, officially placing the country on the path to a general election expected later this month.
By Statutory Instrument 2026, No. 33 dated March 31, 2026, the Governor General ordered the dissolution, which took effect on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The proclamation was issued on the advice of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and published in an Extraordinary edition of the Official Gazette.
The move clears the way for early elections, with Browne previously indicating that the writ could be issued on April 21, which would place general elections on April 22.
“When we meet next week, Wednesday, the Cabinet will make that determination and advise me whether or not the writ should be issued on the 21st, and if the writ is issued on the 21st, then the elections will be 21 days afterwards, which means it’ll be the 22nd, because it’s 21 days, including holidays, Sundays.”
Under the Constitution, at least 21 days must pass between the issuance of the Writ of Election and the holding of a general election. Elections must also be held within three months of Parliament’s dissolution.
The dissolution comes amid recent shifts in the political landscape, including the election of Rawdon Turner following the death of former St. Peter Member of Parliament Asot Michael.
Further developments included Anthony Smith’s controversial departure from the United Progressive Party (UPP), under whose banner he won the All Saints West constituency, and Randy Baltimore’s recent by-election victory in St. Philip’s North for the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.
The Prime Minister had earlier indicated he initially intended to call elections sooner but reconsidered after colleagues recommended giving the opposition additional time to finalise its slate of candidates and organise its affairs.
The last general election in Antigua and Barbuda was held on January 18, 2023. While the next election was not constitutionally required until 2028, the Prime Minister holds the authority to call elections earlier by advising the Governor General to dissolve Parliament.
With Parliament now dissolved, Antigua and Barbuda has formally entered the election cycle, with all eyes now on the formal issuance of the writ and confirmation of the April 22 polling date.
