Breaking: Browne Moves To Dissolve Parliament, Signals Snap Election—But Grants Opposition “Mercy”

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

In a statement delivered moments ago, Browne said he wrote to the Governor General invoking Section 60(1) of the Constitution, which allows for the dissolution of Parliament on the advice of the Prime Minister.

While the government had initially planned to dissolve Parliament and issue the election writ immediately—potentially triggering a vote as early as April 17—Browne said that timeline has been adjusted.

He indicated that, following advice from colleagues, the administration will allow the opposition additional time to prepare.

“I believe in mercy,” Browne told Parliament, noting that the opposition has not yet finalized its slate of candidates.

Parliament is now expected to be formally dissolved on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The Prime Minister explained that the election writ has not yet been issued, and a final decision on its timing will be made by Cabinet next week. Once issued, elections must be held within 21 days.

This means the country could still head to the polls later in April, possibly the 22nd, depending on when the writ is published.

Browne made it clear, however, that any extension will be limited.

“The members on the other side will not get more than an additional week,” he said, urging the opposition to use the upcoming Holy Week to organize and prepare.

Further details, including nomination day and the official election date, will be announced in subsequent correspondence to the Governor General.

The announcement effectively signals the start of the election season, with political activity expected to intensify across Antigua and Barbuda in the coming days.