A new vacancy has opened in the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, with the representative from the church, Commissioner Constance Blackman, having completed her tenure.

The ABEC stated on Monday, acknowledging that the tenure of the Antigua Christian Council’s and the United Evangelical Association of Antigua and Barbuda’s representative on the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has ended.

Constance Blackman, appointed in September 2020, bid farewell to the Commission on January 11, 2024, after serving the electoral management body for three years.

The ABEC statement noted that Blackman executed her duties fairly and transparently during her time as a member of the Commission.

She was also given the opportunity to represent the body on many occasions, both regionally and internationally.

Blackman expressed her gratitude to her colleagues and the staff at the Commission for contributing to her learning experience, which enhanced her overall knowledge of the country’s democratic and electoral processes.

Notably, she is a former public servant who dedicated over forty years to developing Antigua and Barbuda.

She also served as Director at the country’s tourism office in Toronto, Canada, and Head of the Consulate General in Toronto, Ontario.

This is the second vacancy to arise within a week on the ABEC, following last week’s death of the chairman, John Jarvis.

The ABEC will need to fill these positions with qualified individuals who can ensure the proper functioning of the electoral process in Antigua and Barbuda.