January 24, 2023
The Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States present in Antigua and Barbuda, congratulates the citizens on the strong civic commitment demonstrated in the General Elections of January 18, 2023. The Mission also commends the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) and the Supervisor of Elections for the high levels of professionalism displayed by Returning Officers and poll workers during the electoral process and applauds the spirit of camaraderie demonstrated by party agents on Election Day. The Mission would like to extend its congratulations to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party on their victory.
The Mission, which was led by the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honourable Bruce Golding, comprised 11 experts and observers from seven countries, two of whom worked remotely. On Election Day the team visited the 17 constituencies of Antigua and Barbuda, observing the process from the opening of polling stations, through to the tabulation of ballots and the transmission of results. The Mission also analysed other key aspects of the electoral process, including electoral organization and registries, electoral technology, electoral justice, political financing and the political participation of women.
In its engagements in Antigua and Barbuda, the Mission met with key stakeholders, including electoral and government authorities, political parties and candidates, civil society actors, the international community, and other election observers -both domestic and international- to gather perspectives on the organization of the elections and the overall electoral process. The Mission’s experts also analysed existing electoral legislation, regulations and procedures to ensure a full understanding of the context in which the poll was held.
PRE-ELECTORAL CONTEXT
The pre-electoral phase was characterized by a campaign period that was at times aggressive and vitriolic and included some unfortunate acts of vandalism, rather than an exchange of ideas and policies. The OAS/EOM rejects all forms of violence in the electoral context and emphasizes the importance of pursuing dialogue and collaboration on matters of national importance, in the interest of citizens.
OAS-EOM-Antigua-and-Barbuda-Preliminary-Report-2023