Executive to Continue Running Country After Parliament’s Dissolution, Merchant Says

Antigua and Barbuda will continue to be run by the executive after the dissolution of Parliament, with Cabinet stressing that the constitutional move simply clears the way for general elections.

“The country, however, continues to be managed by the executive, being the cabinet,” Maurice Merchant, director general of communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, said during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing.

Merchant said Cabinet had been informed that the proclamation dissolving Parliament was officially published in the Gazette on Wednesday, April 1, as a statutory instrument dated March 31, 2026. The proclamation was issued by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams on the advice of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, he said.

“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 described 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.”

The Cabinet statement comes as the country prepares for elections expected within 90 days. Asked about the timing of an announcement, Merchant said he was sure the prime minister would make it “very soon,” adding: “Within the next 90 days.”

Merchant also urged eligible voters to prepare for the polls by ensuring their registration is current and their voter 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.

He said the government remains committed to ensuring that the election is conducted “in a free, fair, transparent and orderly manner in keeping with the country’s democratic traditions.”

At the close of the briefing, Merchant returned to the election theme, urging Antiguans and Barbudans to “get your cards validated” and participate in the democratic process as the country heads to the polls.