The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has strongly rejected allegations questioning the legitimacy of Antigua and Barbuda’s April 30 general election and warned that legal action could follow if the claims are not withdrawn.
In a press statement and accompanying video address, ABEC responded to comments made by former Deputy Chairman Bruce Goodwin during an appearance on the programme Eye on the Issues, hosted by Louisa Tully. Goodwin reportedly questioned the independence of the Commission and the credibility of the election process.
ABEC Chairman Arthur Thomas Sr firmly denied the allegations.
“Those statements, which seek to cast doubt on the independence of the Commission and the legitimacy of the general election held on the 30 of April 2026, are categorically rejected in their entirety. They are serious allegations made publicly, without proof, without restraint, and without any responsible regard for the damage they are capable of causing to public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions,” Thomas said.
The Commission also described the allegations as “grave, wholly unsubstantiated, and entirely devoid of credible evidential foundation.”
Thomas said the claims were especially concerning because they came from a former senior member of the Commission.
“What makes these statements especially regrettable is that they come from a former Deputy Chairman of the Commission — a person who should understand the constitutional role of ABEC, and the care with which electoral systems must be administered, and the grave consequences that follow when inflammatory allegations are launched into the public domain without evidential foundation,” he said.
ABEC denied suggestions that its systems were influenced by the government or any political party, stating that its “policies, procedures, and systems are not captured by the state, are not directed by any political party, and are not linked in any improper way to any apparatus of government.”
Thomas also defended the integrity of election officials and staff.
“These officers are not to be casually defamed by insinuation and political theatre. They are entitled to the protection of the institution they serve and to an affirm public defence of their integrity,” he said.
The Commission said anyone claiming to have evidence of wrongdoing should present it to the appropriate authorities rather than making public accusations.
“The proper course where any person claims to possess evidence of wrongdoing is plain. That evidence must be produced and laid before competent lawful authority for examination and determination. What is impermissible is the public dissemination of grave accusations unsupported by proof and calculated to sow suspicion, diminish trust, and bring the electoral process into disrepute. That is not accountability. It is irresponsibility,” Thomas said.
ABEC called on Goodwin to publicly retract the statements and warned that it was prepared to pursue legal remedies if necessary.
“The Commission reserves all of its legal rights and will not hesitate to employ the remedies available to it should that become necessary in order to vindicate its reputation and protect public confidence in the administration of elections,” Thomas said.
The Commission also urged the public not to confuse repeated allegations with factual evidence, stating that it would “not tolerate the reckless poisoning of public discourse by falsehood and manufactured scandal.”
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