Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet will continue to govern the country following the formal dissolution of Parliament, with officials stressing that the constitutional step simply clears the path for an upcoming general election.
According to Antigua News Room, Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister's Office, made the clarification during Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing. "The country, however, continues to be managed by the executive, being the cabinet," Merchant said.
Merchant confirmed that Cabinet had been informed of the official publication of the dissolution proclamation in the Gazette on Wednesday, April 1, as a statutory instrument dated March 31, 2026. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams issued the proclamation on the advice of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
"With the dissolution of Parliament, all members of the House of Representatives and the Senate cease to hold their seats and the country now moves into the general election period," Merchant said.
He characterised the dissolution as "a normal constitutional process" that "marks the end of the current parliamentary term, making way for the people of Antigua and Barbuda to elect a government."
Elections are expected within 90 days. When asked about a specific date announcement, Merchant indicated that the prime minister would make one "very soon," adding simply: "Within the next 90 days."
Merchant also called on eligible voters to take steps to prepare for the polls, urging them to confirm their voter registration is current and their identification cards are valid. "The public is encouraged to ensure that they are properly registered and that their voter identity cards are in order in preparation for the upcoming general elections," he said.
The government, he added, remains committed to ensuring the election is conducted "in a free, fair, transparent and orderly manner in keeping with the country's democratic traditions."
Closing the briefing, Merchant returned to the message of civic participation, urging Antiguans and Barbudans to "get your cards validated" as the nation prepares to head to the polls.
