2023 Antiguan general election explained
| Type: | parliamentary |
| Country: | Antigua and Barbuda |
| Previous Election: | 2018 Antiguan general election |
| Previous Year: | 2018 |
| Election Date: | 18 January 2023 |
| Next Year: | Next |
| Seats For Election: | All 17 seats in the House of Representatives |
| Majority Seats: | 9 |
| Turnout: | 70.34 (6.17pp) |
| Image1: | 10 06 2022 Segunda Sessão Plenária da IX Cúpula das Américas (52137201805) (cropped).jpg |
| Leader1: | Gaston Browne |
| Party1: | Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party |
| Last Election1: | 59.24%, 15 seats |
| Seats1: | 9 |
| Seat Change1: | 6 |
| Popular Vote1: | 20,052 |
| Percentage1: | 47.06% |
| Swing1: | 12.18pp |
| Leader2: | Harold Lovell |
| Party2: | United Progressive Party (Antigua and Barbuda) |
| Last Election2: | 37.09%, 1 seat |
| Seats2: | 6 |
| Seat Change2: | 5 |
| Popular Vote2: | 19,267 |
| Percentage2: | 45.22% |
| Swing2: | 8.13pp |
| Image3: | Trevor Walker in 2010.jpg |
| Leader3: | Trevor Walker |
| Party3: | BPM |
| Last Election3: | 1.43%, 1 seat |
| Seats3: | 1 |
| Popular Vote3: | 624 |
| Percentage3: | 1.46% |
| Swing3: | 0.03pp |
| Prime Minister |
| Posttitle: | Subsequent Prime Minister |
| Before Election: | Gaston Browne |
| Before Party: | ABLP |
| After Election: | Gaston Browne |
| After Party: | ABLP |
| Outgoing Members: | 15th legislature of Antigua and Barbuda#Members |
| Elected Members: | 16th legislature of Antigua and Barbuda#Members |
General elections were held in Antigua and Barbuda on 18 January 2023 to elect members of the House of Representatives. The Labour Party (ABLP) has held an absolute majority of 15 seats in the House of Representatives after the 2018 general election, with Gaston Browne remaining as prime minister. Browne initiated a constitutional referendum after the 2018 election, which was rejected by voters, and following the death of Elizabeth II in 2022, he announced his intention to organise a referendum for the transition of Antigua and Barbuda to a republican system. Besides ABLP, the United Progressive Party (UPP), Democratic National Alliance, Barbuda People's Movement (BPM), and three independent politicians filed candidacies for the 2023 general election.
During the election campaign, UPP proposed to raise the minimum wage and expressed support for small businesses, while ABLP pledged to construct more homes and open two polyclinics. ABLP retained its majority in the House of Representatives, although it won a reduced 9 seats, while UPP won 6 seats. Trevor Walker, the leader of the BPM, retained his seat in Barbuda, while Asot Michael, an independent politician and former member of ABLP, won his seat in the St. Peter constituency. Browne was sworn in for his third consecutive term as prime minister a day after the election.
Background
The previous general election was held 15 months early before the scheduled date due to the outgoing prime minister, Gaston Browne, wanting to obtain enough support for the implementation of several projects, such as land reform, in 2019.[1] [2] Browne retained his office, while his Labour Party (ABLP) increased its absolute majority in the House of Representatives.[3] The United Progressive Party (UPP) suffered defeat, with its leader, Harold Lovell, losing his seat.[4]
During the parliamentary term Browne attempted to modify the constitution to make the Caribbean Court of Justice the final court of appeal in the country in place of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.[5] This was however rejected in a referendum in November 2018.[6] Following the death of Elizabeth II in September 2022, Browne announced his intention to organise a referendum within three years regarding the transition to a republican system.[7] [8]
Electoral system
The 17 elected members of the House of Representatives were elected in single-member constituencies by first-past-the-post voting; 16 of the seats were allocated for the island of Antigua and one for the island of Barbuda.[9] In December 2022, Browne announced that the election would be held on 18 January 2023.[10]
Political parties
See also: List of political parties in Antigua and Barbuda. The table below lists political parties represented in the House of Representatives after the 2018 general election.[11]
Pre-election composition
Campaign
UPP presented its election manifesto on 9 January 2023.[14] Lovell proposed a EC$10 per hour minimum wage and a 10% wage and salary increase for public servants, as well as support for a stable water supply and small businesses. ABLP announced its manifesto on 10 January, proposing to construct more than 1,000 new homes, rebuild the sea landing in Barbuda and open two polyclinics.[15] Both parties also expressed support "for a greener Barbuda".[16] Lovell also declined to debate with Browne.[17] The ABLP branch office for the St. John's City East constituency was set on fire on 16 January.[18]
Carty Anderson, an independent politician formerly associated with UPP, filed his candidacy due to "continued neglect" of the citizens of the St. John's Rural West constituency.[19] Another independent, Gail Pero-Weston, campaigned on "creating a better political landscape rather than representing a single constituency".[20]
Candidates
On 25 March 2022, the ABLP announced their official candidates.[21] [22] New candidates from the Labour Party include Rawdon Turner replacing Asot Michael, Barbuda senator Knacyntar Nedd replacing Arthur Nibbs and senator Gail Christian replacing deputy speaker of the House Londell Benjamin. The UPP nominated candidates in all constituencies except Barbuda.[23]
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) announced its candidates in April 2022.[24] DNA later announced that Avoy Knight and Tecla Thomas traded their constituencies, and that Stephen Richardson would be their candidate for the St. John's Rural West constituency.[25] [26] Additionally, Moraine Knight was nominated for the St. John's City West constituency and Mario Thomas was nominated for the St. Phillip North constituency.[27] [28] The Barbuda People's Movement (BPM), led by its representative Trevor Walker, announced that it would run in the Barbuda constituency.[29] Independent politicians Carty Anderson, Gail Pero-Weston, and Michael Asot filed to run in St. John's Rural West, St. John's Rural South, and St. Peter constituencies respectively.
Results
Voting stations were opened from 06:00 to 18:00, and there were 60,916 citizens in total that had the right to vote in the general election.[30] [31] On 5 January 2023, it was announced that the Commonwealth Observer Group, headed by the former president of Seychelles, Danny Faure, would observe the election.[32] CARICOM, as well as the Organization of American States, also announced that it would observe over the election.[33] [34] The Caribbean Development Research Services reported lower turnout in comparison with the previous general election.[35]
The Electoral Commission reported that ABLP won 9 seats in the election, while the UPP won 6 seats in total.[36] [37] In Barbuda, BPM retained its seat while DNA did not win any, although Asot Michael, an independent politician, won his seat in the St. Peter constituency. Lovell of UPP also failed to win his seat.[38]
By constituency
| Constituency | ABLP | UPP | DNA | BPM | Ind | Total |
|---|
| | | | |
|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | Votes | % | Votes | % | Votes | % |
|---|
| All Saints East and St. Luke | 1,047 | 36.00 | 1,799 | 61.86 | 52 | 1.7 | | | | | 2,908 |
| All Saints West | 1,461 | 41.20 | 2,022 | 57.02 | 44 | 1.2 | | | | | 3,546 |
| Barbuda | 456 | 42.22 | | | | | 624 | 57.77 | | | 1,080 |
| St. George | 2,005 | 47.46 | 2,146 | 50.80 | 54 | 1.27 | | | | | 4,224 |
| St. John's City East | 791 | 49.59 | 785 | 49.21 | 13 | 0.81 | | | | | 1,595 |
| St. John's City South | 889 | 63.18 | 495 | 35.18 | 11 | 0.78 | | | | | 1,407 |
| St. John's City West | 1,295 | 66.47 | 621 | 31.87 | 18 | 0.92 | | | | | 1,948 |
| St. John's Rural East | 1,770 | 53.73 | 1,460 | 44.32 | 48 | 1.45 | | | | | 3,294 |
| St. John's Rural North | 1,563 | 52.46 | 1,358 | 45.58 | 42 | 1.40 | | | | | 2,979 |
| St. John's Rural South | 1,424 | 56.04 | 1,074 | 42.26 | 11 | 0.43 | | | 19 | 0.74 | 2,541 |
| St. John's Rural West | 1,614 | 44.40 | 1,932 | 53.14 | 31 | 0.85 | | | 46 | 1.26 | 3,635 |
| St. Mary's North | 1,664 | 49.98 | 1,615 | 48.51 | 28 | 0.84 | | | | | 3,329 |
| St. Mary's South | 862 | 44.43 | 1,061 | 54.69 | 12 | 0.61 | | | | | 1,940 |
| St. Paul | 1,244 | 52.11 | 1,101 | 46.12 | 29 | 1.21 | | | | | 2,387 |
| St. Peter | 899 | 24.42 | 601 | 16.33 | 29 | 0.78 | | | 2,137 | 58.07 | 3,680 |
| St. Phillip North | 708 | 52.60 | 615 | 45.69 | 16 | 1.18 | | | | | 1,346 |
| St. Phillip South | 360 | 37.34 | 582 | 60.37 | 28 | 2.90 | | | | | 964 |
| Total | 20,052 | 47.13 | 19,207 | 45.15 | 460 | 1.08 | 624 | 1.47 | 2,202 | 5.18 | 42,849 |
| Source: Electoral Commission | |
Aftermath
Local news outlets reported that ABLP won 9 seats and that it retained its majority in the House of Representatives.[39] [40] Browne addressed his supporters shortly after the election and was congratulated by Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, the minister of foreign affairs of Cuba.[41] [42] Joanne Massiah, the leader of the DNA, conceded the election, while Lovell resigned as the leader of UPP.[43] [44] [45] Browne was inaugurated into his third consecutive term in office on 19 January 2023.[46]
See also
Notes and References
- Web site: 24 February 2018 . 2018 Election Date Set For March 21 . 14 January 2023 . Antigua Observer Newspaper . en-GB . 13 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180613100140/https://antiguaobserver.com/2018-election-date-set-for-march-21/ . live .
- Web site: Antigua and Barbuda General Election Results 2018 . 14 January 2023 . Caribbean Elections . 2 April 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180402024408/http://www.caribbeanelections.com/ag/elections/ag_results_2018.asp . live .
- Web site: 22 March 2018 . ABLP wins 2018 General Elections . 14 January 2023 . Antigua Observer Newspaper . en-GB . 13 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180613210400/https://antiguaobserver.com/ablp-wins-2018-general-elections/ . live .
- Web site: Handy . Gemma . 6 March 2018 . Snap election in Antigua puts Barbuda's communal land ownership on the ballot . 14 January 2023 . The Guardian . en . 9 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230109072853/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/06/antigua-barbuda-election-communal-land-ownership . live .
- Web site: 5 November 2018 . What you need to know for Referendum Day . 14 January 2023 . Antigua Observer Newspaper . en-GB . 5 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181105140641/https://antiguaobserver.com/what-you-need-to-know-for-referendum-day/ . live .
- Web site: 2018 Referendum Results . 14 January 2023 . Antigua & Barbuda Electoral Commission . 15 April 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190415075803/http://www.abec.gov.ag/referendum_2018/results.php . live .
- Web site: 16 September 2022 . Antigua and Barbuda Will Vote to Cut Ties With British Monarchy . 14 January 2023 . Global Americans . en-US . 2 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221202033614/https://theglobalamericans.org/2022/09/antigua-and-barbuda-will-vote-to-cut-ties-with-british-monarchy/ . live .
- News: 11 September 2022 . Antigua and Barbuda planning vote to become republic within three years, media report . en . Reuters . 14 January 2023 . 12 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230112210949/https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/antigua-barbuda-planning-vote-become-republic-within-3-years-media-2022-09-11/ . live .
- Web site: Antigua and Barbuda House of Representatives: Electoral system . 14 January 2023 . Inter-Parliamentary Union . 9 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230109193921/http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2009_B.htm . live .
- Web site: 19 December 2022 . January 18 for general election in Antigua and Barbuda . 20 December 2022 . The Gleaner . 20 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221220031626/https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/caribbean/20221219/january-18-general-election-antigua-and-barbuda . live .
- Web site: General Elections 2018: Votes by Constituency . 18 January 2023 . Antigua & Barbuda Electoral Commission . 15 April 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190415075820/http://www.abec.gov.ag/elections_2018/votesbyconstituency.php . live .
- Web site: 11 September 2020 . Barbuda's secession request goes to Parliament . 21 January 2023 . Antigua News Room . en-US . 25 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211225020357/https://antiguanewsroom.com/barbudas-secession-request-goes-to-parliament/ . live .
- Web site: Members of the House of Representatives 2018 – present . Caribbean Elections . 18 January 2023 . 18 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220518121145/http://www.caribbeanelections.com/knowledge/parliament/ag_parliament/ag_house_2018.asp . live .
- Web site: 9 January 2023 . Antigua Election 2023: UPP unveils election manifesto . 14 January 2023 . Loop News . en . 14 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230114113213/https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/antigua-election-2023-upp-unveils-election-manifesto . live .
- Web site: Henry . George . 12 January 2023 . Manifesto Highlights: Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party shares investments in last eight years . 14 January 2023 . Writeups 24 . en-US . 12 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230112131730/https://writeups24.com/manifesto-highlights-antigua-and-barbuda-labour-party-shares-investments-in-last-eight-years/ . live .
- Web site: Emanuel . Robert A. . 11 January 2023 . Two main political parties unveil plans for a 'greener' Barbuda . 14 January 2023 . Antigua Observer Newspaper . en-GB . 13 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230113231346/https://antiguaobserver.com/two-main-political-parties-unveil-plans-for-a-greener-barbuda/ . live .
- Web site: Henry . George . 7 January 2023 . Antigua and Barbuda: UPP Leader Harold Lovell says no to publicly debate with PM Gaston Browne . 18 January 2023 . Writeups 24 . en-US . 18 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230118111432/https://writeups24.com/antigua-and-barbuda-upp-leader-harold-lovell-says-no-to-publicly-debate-with-pm-gaston-browne/ . live .
- Web site: De Shong . Dillon . 16 January 2023 . Antigua Election 2023: Arsonists set fire to ABLP campaign office . 18 January 2023 . Loop News . en . 18 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230118045620/https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/antigua-election-2023-arsonists-set-fire-ablp-campaign-office . live .
- Web site: Bique-Charles . Shermain . 12 January 2023 . 'I see the struggles of my people every day': Independent candidate Carty ready to represent Rural West in Parliament . 18 January 2023 . Antigua Observer Newspaper . en-GB . 17 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230117010234/https://antiguaobserver.com/i-see-the-struggles-of-my-people-every-day-independent-candidate-carty-ready-to-represent-rural-west-in-parliament/ . live .
- Web site: Emmanuel . Robert A. . 3 January 2023 . Independent candidate Gail Pero-Weston wants to see a better political landscape . 18 January 2023 . Antigua Observer Newspaper . en-GB . 5 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230105035204/https://antiguaobserver.com/independent-candidate-gail-pero-weston-wants-to-see-a-better-political-landscape/ . live .
- Web site: ABLP's approved slate for the 2022/23 polls. Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. 25 March 2022. 26 March 2022. 26 March 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220326195155/https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=514456810238051&set=a.423614349322298. live.
- Web site: 29 December 2022 . List of nominated candidates for General Elections 2023 . 14 January 2023 . Antigua & Barbuda Electoral Commission . 14 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230114145024/http://www.abec.gov.ag/media/articles/pdf/12-22/LIST_OF_NOMINATED_CANDITATES_FOR_ELECTIONS_2023.pdf . live .
- Web site: The candidates. United Progressive Party. 25 April 2022. 21 February 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220221013233/https://voteupp.com/the-candidates/. live.
- Web site: 20 April 2022 . DNA unveils full slate of candidates for next general election; Massiah talks up 'unblemished' record . 14 January 2023 . Antigua Observer . 25 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220425111450/https://antiguaobserver.com/dna-unveils-full-slate-of-candidates-for-next-general-election-massiah-talks-up-unblemished-record/ . live .
- Web site: 9 May 2022 . DNA Announces Constituency Change . 14 January 2023 . Democratic National Alliance . 26 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221226013450/https://dnaab.com/2022/05/09/dna-announces-constituency-change/ . live .
- Web site: 3 November 2022 . DNA Announces New Candidate in Rural West . 14 January 2023 . Democratic National Alliance . 26 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221226013446/https://dnaab.com/2022/11/02/dna-announces-new-candidate-in-rural-west/ . live .
- Web site: 20 December 2022 . DNA Replaces Candidate for St. John's City West Constituency . 14 January 2023 . Democratic National Alliance . 26 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221226013040/https://dnaab.com/2022/12/20/dna-replaces-candidate-for-st-johns-city-west-constituency/ . live .
- Web site: 28 June 2022 . DNA Replaces Candidate for St. Phillip's North Constituency . 14 January 2023 . Democratic National Alliance . 26 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221226013449/https://dnaab.com/2022/06/28/dna-replaces-candidate-for-st-phillips-north-constituency/ . live .
- Web site: 29 December 2022 . List of Candidates Nominated for the January 18th 2023 Elections . 14 January 2023 . Antigua News Room . en-US . 29 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221229115823/https://antiguanewsroom.com/list-of-candidates-nominated-for-the-january-18th-2023-elections/ . live .
- Web site: Michael . Vivian . 18 January 2023 . Voters head to the polls today to elect new government . 18 January 2023 . Antigua Observer Newspaper . en-GB . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119103305/https://antiguaobserver.com/voters-head-to-the-polls-today-to-elect-new-government/ . live .
- Web site: 18 January 2023 . Antigua and Barbuda Election Basics . 18 January 2023 . Caribbean Elections . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119103306/http://www.caribbeanelections.com/ag/education/basics.asp . live .
- Web site: 5 January 2023 . Commonwealth team to observe Antigua and Barbuda's 2023 general election . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230108093222/https://thecommonwealth.org/news/commonwealth-team-observe-antigua-and-barbudas-2023-general-election . 8 January 2023 . 14 January 2023 . Commonwealth . en.
- Web site: Ferrer Fonte . Ileana . 11 January 2023 . CARICOM sends election observation mission to Antigua and Barbuda . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230114145031/https://www.plenglish.com/news/2023/01/11/caricom-sends-election-observation-mission-to-antigua-and-barbuda/ . 14 January 2023 . 14 January 2023 . Prensa Latina . en-US.
- Web site: 13 January 2023 . OAS to Observe General Elections in Antigua and Barbuda . 18 January 2023 . Organization of American States . en . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119103307/https://www.oas.org/en/media_center/press_release.asp?sCodigo=E-001%2F23 . live .
- Web site: 18 January 2023 . Low Turnout as Polls Close in Antigua and Barbuda General Elections . 19 January 2023 . Nationwide 90FM . en-US . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119103308/https://nationwideradiojm.com/low-turnout-as-polls-close-in-antigua-and-barbuda-general-elections/ . live .
- Web site: Thomas . Latrishka . 19 January 2023 . ABLP narrowly escapes defeat in Antigua and Barbuda Election . 19 January 2023 . Loop News . en . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119121459/https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/ablp-narrowly-escapes-defeat-antigua-and-barbuda-election . live .
- News: Ellsworth . Brian . 19 January 2023 . Antigua and Barbuda PM Browne secures third term in general elections . Reuters . 20 January 2023 . 20 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230120022023/https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/antigua-and-barbuda-pm-browne-secures-third-term-in-general-elections . live .
- Web site: Clarke . Sherrylyn . 19 January 2023 . Third term for Gaston Browne . 19 January 2023 . Nation News . en-US . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119153221/https://www.nationnews.com/2023/01/19/third-term-gaston-browne/ . live .
- Web site: 19 January 2023 . BREAKING: ABLP retains government by slim majority . 19 January 2023 . Antigua News Room . en-US . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119103312/https://antiguanewsroom.com/breaking-ablp-retains-government-by-slim-majority/ . live .
- Web site: 19 January 2023 . Gaston Browne re-elected as Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda . 19 January 2023 . Loop News . en . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119103314/https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/gaston-browne-re-elected-prime-minister-antigua-and-barbuda . live .
- Web site: 19 January 2023 . Gaston Browne comfortably retains seat . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119103817/https://www.nationnews.com/2023/01/18/gaston-browne-comfortably-retains-seat/ . 19 January 2023 . 19 January 2023 . Nation News . en-US.
- Web site: 19 January 2023 . PM Browne addresses supporters following election victory . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119103827/https://antiguanewsroom.com/video-pm-browne-addresses-supporters-following-election-victory/ . 19 January 2023 . 19 January 2023 . Antigua News Room . en-US.
- Web site: 19 January 2023 . DNA President Concession Speech . 19 January 2023 . Antigua News Room . en-US . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119195936/https://antiguanewsroom.com/dna-president-concession-speech/ . live .
- Web site: Wilkinson . Bert . 19 January 2023 . PM Browne wins again…just – Caribbean Life . 19 January 2023 . Caribbean Life . en-US . 19 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230119195941/https://www.caribbeanlife.com/pm-browne-wins-again-just/ . live .
- Web site: 20 January 2023 . Harold Lovell steps down as UPP leader a day after Party lost general elections . 20 January 2023 . WIC News . en-GB . 20 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230120215200/https://wicnews.com/caribbean/harold-lovell-steps-down-as-upp-leader-a-day-after-party-lost-general-elections-283550702/ . live .
- Web site: Wong . Melissa . 19 January 2023 . Gaston Browne sworn in as Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda . 20 January 2023 . Loop News . en . 20 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230120092842/https://barbados.loopnews.com/content/gaston-browne-sworn-prime-minister-antigua-and-barbuda-643028 . live .
