Candidates across Antigua and Barbuda have completed the nomination process ahead of the April 30 general election, officially setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched contest.

Among those nominated was Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who will again contest the St John’s City West constituency on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).

He will face the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) Allister Thomas.

Speaking with the Antigua Broadcasting Service after filing his nomination papers, Browne expressed confidence in securing a fourth consecutive term in office.

He also suggested that the ABLP could potentially win all 17 seats in the House of Representatives.

“ABLP as well as UPP polls would have indicated that all of the seats on Antigua are winnable. And based on the candidate we have in Barbuda, he’s a very competent and capable young man. I believe that Barbuda needs a change and it’s very likely that Kendra Beazer will emerge victorious. Don’t be surprised if we win all 17 seats. One thing I will say though, on the basis that we win all 17 seats, we would be very responsible. We will make sure that we don’t abuse power. It is not in my character as prime minister of this country to abuse power and we will continue to concentrate on the empowerment of the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” Browne said.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle also successfully filed his nomination to contest the All Saints East and St Luke constituency for the UPP.

Pringle has represented the area since 2018, when the party secured just one seat in the general election.

He said he is confident of retaining the seat and leading his party to victory.

“I am confident that this seat will remain a seat of the United Progressive Party. We will continue to do what we have to do. And I am confident that we will also form the next government and not only All Saints East and St Luke, but all constituencies across Antigua and Barbuda can see meaningful development and attention as it relates to infrastructure,” Pringle said.
Pringle will be challenged by ABLP candidate Lamin Newton.
In Barbuda, both candidates were also duly nominated. ABLP candidate Kendra Beazer said he was grateful for the opportunity to contest the seat and represent the island at the national level.
He said his campaign would focus on the themes of “Barbuda first” and “One Barbuda.”
“This is a campaign rooted in Barbuda and what it means to be Barbudian and that is what we are looking to tell the people over the next few weeks and formulate that into policy when we win,” he said.
Incumbent Member of Parliament Trevor Walker of the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) also secured his place on the ballot and expressed appreciation for the support received.
“We are at a critical moment in Barbuda’s history. This is not about an individual, it is about Barbuda and its future and exactly where we want to go as a people. And we cannot allow anybody else to jeopardise that future. We have seen what has happened,” Walker said.
Walker, who has long advocated for Barbudians to retain control over their land rights, said it is important for residents to support him and the BPM if they want to maintain control over their future.