Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda has been officially dissolved, clearing the way for a snap general election.

Governor General Rodney Williams issued a proclamation dissolving parliament in an Extraordinary Gazette on April 1, on the advice of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

During his weekly radio programme on March 21, Browne announced plans to call a general election within 90 days, roughly 18 months before the parliamentary term was due to end.

In a post on social media after parliament was dissolved, Browne said: “Writ of election with the date of nomination and polling day to be announced shortly.”

The Cabinet met on April 1 and is expected to decide on the election date.

Following advice to the governor general and the issuance of the writ of election, the poll can be held as early as 21 days after the writ is issued, but no later than 90 days, according to the Representation of the People Act.

Browne has indicated that there will not be a long campaign season, but he noted his intention to give the main opposition United Progressive Party an additional week to get its affairs in order to contest the election.

In the last general election in 2023, Browne’s ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) won nine of the 17 seats in the House of Representatives. 

The Barbuda People’s Movement retained its single seat, while former ABLP MP Asot Michael was elected as an independent candidate.