Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has secured an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in office, leading the Antigua and Barbuda Labor Party (ABLP) to a decisive victory in a snap election held two years ahead of schedule. Official results released early Friday confirmed the landslide, with the ABLP winning 15 of the 17 parliamentary seats in the twin-island nation.
Opposition Reduced to Single Seat
The main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) saw its representation collapse from five seats to just one, with Jamale Pringle emerging as the party's sole standard-bearer. He will be joined on the opposition benches by Trevor Walker of the Barbuda People's Movement, who has retained his seat in every election since 2004, except for 2014.
Campaign Focused on Cost of Living and Infrastructure
The snap election campaign was dominated by issues such as the rising cost of living and infrastructure development. In his victory speech, Browne called for unity, stating: "We will build one nation united and inclusive where all who are willing to come together under the banner of one Antigua and Barbuda will share in the reward of their efforts."
Election Conduct Praised
Election officials expressed satisfaction with the smooth operation of polling stations across the islands. Browne and Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin are scheduled to be sworn in on Friday morning, with the remaining Cabinet members to be announced in the coming days.
