Officials with the Electoral Commission are ramping up their training efforts ahead of the general elections which are constitutionally due by March next year. 

The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) is the agency responsible for organizing and managing all elections in the country.

The entity is now working with individuals who have applied to fill the position of returning officers in the 17 constituencies.

Ian Hughes the Human Resource and training officer for ABEC said about 22 persons were invited to the training for the returning officers along with 20 persons who were identified as special trainers.

“Some of these persons have been part of the process for a long time and we invite them to assist the returning officer in the constituency. In some of the constituencies, the number of persons who applied to be officers on election day workers has exceeded one hundred in some areas…” he said.

Hughes spoke about some of the elements to be covered during the training process, saying that it is a matter of understanding their statutory responsibilities according to the Representation of the People Act

“Once the election writ is issued which has on the date for nomination, election, and name of the returning officer, that office is responsible for the election in the various constituencies. So, this their authority and it’s a matter of understating their statutory responsibility,” Hughes said.