Parliament Dissolved, Election Clock Begins Ticking
Antigua and Barbuda is officially on the road to general elections after Governor General Sir Rodney Williams signed a proclamation dissolving Parliament on March 31, 2026, with the dissolution taking effect today, April 1.
The proclamation was published this morning in an Extraordinary edition of the Official Gazette and was issued on the advice of the Prime Minister, in accordance with the Constitution.
Under the Constitution, at least 21 days must pass between the issuance of the Writ of Election and the holding of a general election, and a general election must be held within three months of dissolution.
The Prime Minister has previously indicated that elections would take place 21 days after the writ is issued.
The Prime Minister had previously indicated he initially intended to move sooner but reconsidered after colleagues recommended giving the main opposition, the United Progressive Party, additional time to finalise its slate of candidates and organise its affairs.
The decision to dissolve Parliament now comes ahead of the constitutional deadline. The last general election was held on January 18, 2023, and while the next election was not strictly required until 2028, the Prime Minister holds the authority to call elections earlier by advising the Governor General to dissolve Parliament.
With Parliament now dissolved, all eyes turn to the announcement of an official polling date.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/04/01/parliament-dissolved-election-clock-begins-ticking. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

About the author
The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Antigua and Barbuda
View section
Local Musicians and Cultural Performers Could Feature in Tomlinson Film
Cabinet welcomes opportunities for steelpan, Carnival traditions and local production talent in the proposed international project.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Tomlinson Tourism Pitch Projects £3.7 Million in Additional Visitor Spending
Organisers outline a year-long campaign, but Cabinet notes that estimated returns are not guaranteed.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Cabinet Approves Five-Year National Health Strategy
The 2026–2031 plan sets out 11 strategic directions to guide healthcare development and delivery.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Browne Demands Stronger Inspections and Accountability on Capital Works
Cabinet calls for daily monitoring of outstanding problems as agencies face a tightening CHOGM timetable.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Comments (5)
Norissa April 1, 2026, 6:52 PM
Amethisyah April 1, 2026, 7:37 PM
Donna April 1, 2026, 10:34 PM
JP Farnsworth April 2, 2026, 11:54 AM
Juju Bee April 2, 2026, 9:23 PM