The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat has deployed a nine-member Election Observation Mission to Antigua and Barbuda ahead of the country’s General Elections scheduled for April 30, 2026.
The mission follows an official invitation from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, extended in a letter dated April 5. In response, the CARICOM Secretariat confirmed its participation and initiated arrangements for the deployment of observers.
The team is being led by Maxine McClean, a member of Barbados’ Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Serving as Deputy Chief of Mission is Herman St. Helen, Chief Elections Officer of Saint Lucia.
Other members of the mission include Ambassador Felix Gregoire, Mr. Rohan Porter, Ms. Stephanie Bram, and Ms. Karla Dayton Edwards.
They are supported by CARICOM Secretariat staff: Brian Bellevue, Amos Lindor, and Denise Morgan.
Pre-election engagements underway
The core team, including the mission leadership and Secretariat representatives, arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on April 23 and has since begun a series of stakeholder consultations.
Meetings are being scheduled with government officials, opposition representatives, and electoral authorities, including the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission and the Supervisor of Elections. The mission also plans to engage civil society groups, including representatives of women, youth, persons with disabilities, the private sector, religious organisations, labour groups and the media.
Monitoring election day processes
On election day, observers will monitor all critical stages of the voting process — from the opening of polling stations to the casting and counting of ballots, and the preparation of official results.
The mission will collect both quantitative and qualitative data to assess the integrity of the process. This includes verifying voting results and evaluating the conduct of electoral officials, political actors, and the broader electoral environment.
Reporting and departure
Following the polls, the CARICOM Election Observation Mission will issue a preliminary statement outlining its initial findings. A comprehensive final report will then be prepared and submitted to the CARICOM Secretary-General, before being shared with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Opposition, and the Electoral Commission, and published online.
The mission is scheduled to depart the country on May 3.
CARICOM officials said the deployment underscores the organisation’s continued commitment to supporting democratic processes across the region. The team has also expressed appreciation for the cooperation and hospitality extended since its arrival.
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