37 Candidates Set for Antigua Snap Election Race

37 candidates will contest the general election in Antigua and Barbuda. The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission confirmed the number ahead of the April 30 vote. As a result, the race is now set.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne called the election early. He moved the date almost two years ahead of schedule. Therefore, political activity has increased across the country.

Moreover, Browne’s Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has named candidates in all 17 constituencies. The party won nine seats in the January 18, 2023 election. Now, it aims to keep control.

At the same time, the United Progressive Party will contest 16 seats on Antigua. Meanwhile, its affiliate, the Barbuda People’s Movement, will run in Barbuda. Together, they form the main opposition.

In addition, three independent candidates have joined the race. Alan Greg Weston will run in St. Paul. This seat is now held by Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene.

Furthermore, the United Progressive Party has selected Franz DeFreitas for that seat. This contest may draw strong attention. The other independent candidates are Debbie Pero Weston and Nigel Bascus.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has raised a concern. It is urging voters to protect their identification cards. Recently, many people have asked for replacements.

Elisa Graham, the commission’s Public Relations Officer, shared more details. She said many voters lost cards issued not long ago. Therefore, she urged people to store them safely.

For example, voters can keep cards with passports. They can also place them in wallets or purses. This helps with quick access.

However, the commission continues to process replacement requests. It also noted a key reason for the increase. The waiver of replacement fees has encouraged more people to apply.

As the election nears, activity continues to grow. Candidates are campaigning, and voters are preparing. In the end, attention now turns to April 30.