Prime Minister Gaston Browne told Parliament he has formally advised Governor General Rodney Williams to dissolve Parliament on April 1, setting the stage for a general election within weeks.

Browne said the advice was given in accordance with Section 60(1) of the Constitution, which allows the Governor General to dissolve Parliament acting on the prime minister’s advice.

“I have written to His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams today, advising him,” Browne said, adding that the move would trigger the next phase of the electoral process.

He indicated that while the government had initially planned for Parliament to be prorogued immediately—allowing elections as early as April 17—the timeline was adjusted to give the opposition additional time to prepare.

“It’s evident the opposition is not quite ready as yet… they still do not have a full slate,” Browne told the House, noting that colleagues had encouraged him to allow “a few more days” for readiness.

Under the revised plan, Parliament will be dissolved by proclamation on April 1. The writ of election is expected to be issued either on that date or within a week, depending on the opposition’s preparedness.

Browne said once the writ is issued, general elections must be held within 21 days, meaning a possible election date in late April.

“We will not give the members on the other side more than an additional week,” he said.

Further correspondence will be sent to the Governor General outlining the final timeline, including nomination day and the official election date.

The announcement signals the formal start of the election process in Antigua and Barbuda, with political parties expected to finalize candidates and campaign plans in the coming days.