Independent Run Forced as New Party Sidelined by ‘Rushed’ Election Timing, Candidate Says
Independent candidate for St. George Gail Pero-Weston says her decision to contest the upcoming general election outside of her newly formed political movement was driven by what she described as a “rushed” election timeline that left the party unable to properly participate.
Pero-Weston, who was instrumental in the formation of the Antigua Barbuda National Congress (ABNC), said the group made a deliberate decision not to field candidates after assessing the timing of the April 30 poll.
“We took a decision that, given the timing of the elections and our launch, that it would be rushed,” she said during a “Know Your Candidates” interview.
Instead, she opted to run as an independent in St. George, maintaining that the move allows her to continue advocating for accountability and governance reform without waiting for the party’s full development.
“I felt the need to continue to advocate… give a voice to persons who continue to advocate for accountability in governance,” she said.
Pero-Weston suggested that the timing of the election favored the ruling party, noting that the authority to call elections lies with the Prime Minister and can influence the readiness of emerging political groups.
“We’re in a situation where that decision… resides with the Prime Minister and he, for whatever reason, saw an advantage to his party,” she said.
The ABNC, which she helped bring into existence, has positioned itself around themes of accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline, but will not appear on the ballot this election cycle.
Pero-Weston said contesting under the party banner would have required rushing candidate selection and organizational groundwork—something she argued would not be in the best interest of voters.
“The decision to select government is not something that should be rushed at all,” she said.
Her independent candidacy, she added, is intended to begin building support for broader political change while laying the groundwork for future participation by the ABNC.
While acknowledging the challenges of running without the backing of a major party structure, Pero-Weston said she remains focused on engaging voters directly and advancing her message.
“Whether I show alone or with a crowd… I will continue to pound the streets and tell them you need to vote differently,” she said.
Pero-Weston is contesting the St. George constituency against candidates from the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party and the United Progressive Party.
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