Ian Hughes/ABEC Photo

ABEC responds to allegations regarding the Voter’s ID Card Replacement Process

The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has taken note of statements made in a recent media broadcast suggesting the existence of irregularities within the ongoing Voter Identification Card Replacement Programme. The statements, which appear to be based on unverified sources, express concerns that some individuals may have obtained their Voter Identification Cards through procedures not aligned with legal requirements.

ABEC considers it necessary to address these claims clearly and firmly.

Firstly, the Commission firmly restates that the Card Replacement Programme is carried out strictly according to electoral laws and administrative guidelines. Specific procedures ensure every voter must appear in person for renewal, with appropriate identification and verification measures in place.

Secondly, while the Commission has no verifiable evidence at this time of systemic breaches or institutional failure, it acknowledges the gravity of any allegations concerning unlawful conduct. Given the significance of this national process, even singular confirmed deviations would represent a serious violation of electoral law and administrative integrity.

Accordingly, ABEC issues the following directives and assurances:

• Any person with credible information or evidence of irregularities, including instances where procedures may have been circumvented, is strongly urged to report such matters immediately to the Commission.
• All reports will be formally received, documented, and subjected to prompt and impartial investigation.
• Where evidence substantiates wrongdoing, appropriate administrative and legal action will be pursued without hesitation against any individual found to be in breach of the Representation of The People Act.

The Commission underscores the importance of ensuring that only verified information is circulated within the public sphere, as unsubstantiated claims and speculation may erode confidence in the electoral process. Accordingly, ABEC urges all involved parties to act responsibly and differentiate clearly between complaints supported by evidence and unverified rumors or hearsay.

At the same time, the Commission reiterates its earlier and urgent appeal to the electorate:

All eligible voters must take immediate steps to complete the Voter ID Card Replacement process ahead of General Elections on April 30 and to collect the card from the respective Registration Units as directed by the Commission.

ABEC has extended operational hours, increased staffing capacity, and deployed its officers at maximum effort to facilitate public access. For sure, he Commission has mobilized all available institutional resources to ensure that every eligible elector is afforded a full and fair opportunity to participate in the card replacement process ahead of the General Elections.

Despite these measures, participation levels have somewhat declined. The Commission cannot overstate that timely compliance by electors is essential to ensuring their ability to vote and to preserving the integrity of the electoral process.

Finally, ABEC reaffirms its commitment to transparency, legality, and accountability. The Commission will not be influenced by conjecture or politically motivated narratives, but will respond decisively to any credible evidence, wherever it may lead.

The integrity of Antigua and Barbuda’s democracy depends on institutional diligence at ABEC and public responsibility.