Prime Minister Gaston Browne has won a historic fourth consecutive term in office after leading the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) to a sweeping victory in the nation’s general election.
Preliminary results show the ABLP capturing 15 of the 17 parliamentary seats, significantly expanding its majority and consolidating its hold on government. The main opposition, the United Progressive Party (UPP), secured just one seat, while the Barbuda People’s Movement retained its representation in Barbuda.
Browne, who has governed since 2014, campaigned on themes of economic stability, tourism recovery, infrastructure expansion, and investment-led growth. Following the outcome, the ABLP issued a statement thanking voters for their continued confidence in the party’s leadership and development agenda.
The election was called nearly two years ahead of schedule, with Browne arguing that Antigua and Barbuda required a renewed mandate to navigate international and economic challenges. One of the campaign’s central issues was the fallout from the United States’ suspension of visa processing for Antiguan and Barbudan nationals earlier this year. Washington raised concerns about the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, citing potential vulnerabilities. Browne’s administration countered that reforms had already been introduced to strengthen transparency and security, while maintaining dialogue with U.S. authorities.
Beyond the visa dispute, the campaign spotlighted economic performance and climate resilience. Browne emphasized the nation’s post-pandemic tourism rebound and ongoing development projects as evidence of effective governance during turbulent global conditions.
International observers monitored the election, with a second count expected to formally confirm the results.
The outcome cements Browne’s status as one of the Caribbean’s longest-serving current leaders and underscores the ABLP’s dominance in Antigua and Barbuda’s modern political landscape.
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