PM Gaston Browne confirmed that general elections will take place in April.

He told Parliament that he has written to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams.

He advised him to dissolve Parliament ahead of the upcoming election.

As a result, the country now prepares for an early election cycle.

Browne explained that the Constitution allows him to advise the Governor General to dissolve Parliament.

He said he initially planned to prorogue Parliament and issue the writ immediately.

However, he changed that plan after consulting with colleagues.

They urged him to give the opposition more time to prepare.

Specifically, they noted that the United Progressive Party still lacks a full slate of candidates.

“I believe in mercy,” Browne said, explaining the decision to delay.

Therefore, he will now advise that Parliament be dissolved on April 1, 2026.

Meanwhile, the government has not yet issued the writ of election.

Browne said Cabinet will decide next week when to issue the writ.

If officials issue the writ on April 1, elections could occur on April 22.

However, Cabinet may delay the writ slightly, depending on opposition readiness.

Even so, Browne stressed that the delay will not exceed one week.

He encouraged the opposition to use Holy Week to prepare and organize.

In addition, he confirmed that the law requires elections within 21 days of the writ.

He also said officials will send further correspondence to confirm key dates.

These include the writ, nomination day, and the general election date.

Previously, the ABLP won nine seats in the January 2023 general election.

Other seats went to the United Progressive Party and one independent candidate.

Now, with the process underway, political activity is expected to intensify.

Finally, Browne said the government aims to follow the law while allowing limited time for readiness.