With the official election date expected to be announced tonight, political activity across Antigua and Barbuda has surged, signaling the start of an intense campaign season.

Since the dissolution of Parliament last week, both major political parties have shifted into high gear, rolling out campaign strategies and strengthening their presence in constituencies across the country.

The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has been highly visible, erecting billboards featuring its slate of candidates and activating campaign offices islandwide. These branch offices are being positioned as operational hubs to coordinate outreach efforts as candidates increase their engagement with voters.

On the other side, the United Progressive Party (UPP) has also stepped up its campaign efforts. Over the weekend, several of its candidates took to the Public Market, engaging shoppers and vendors in an effort to build support ahead of the polls.
UPP candidate for All Saints West, Harold Lovell, has also secured a location in his constituency to serve as a campaign office, further signaling the party’s readiness for the contest ahead.

Member of the UPP during Market Street meet and greet on Saturday

Attention is now turning to tonight’s highly anticipated ABLP campaign launch, where the official election date is expected to be revealed. Preparations have been underway for days along Nugent Avenue, with crews assembling a stage and installing sound systems near the party’s headquarters.

Supporters from across the island are expected to converge on St. John’s for the event, with transportation arrangements already being made to bring in voters from rural communities.

The ABLP is entering the race under the theme “The Renaissance: A New Era of Development,” setting the tone for what is expected to be a closely watched and energetic election campaign.

Several candidates have also been focusing on community-based initiatives, including small infrastructure projects and constituency clean-ups, as part of their early campaign push.

In St. Mary’s North, newcomer Dr. Philmore Benjamin has been working to quickly establish connections with residents following his late entry into the race after the retirement of Sir Molwyn Joseph. His campaign has centered on direct interaction with constituents and visible community work.

Meanwhile, in St. John’s Rural East, Maria Browne has overseen the transformation of a historic political site into a modern campaign headquarters. The building, once used by the late Sir Lester Bird, has been upgraded and expanded to serve both as a campaign base and a community space.

On the other side, the United Progressive Party (UPP) has also stepped up its campaign efforts. Over the weekend, several of its candidates took to the Public Market, engaging shoppers and vendors in an effort to build support ahead of the polls.

UPP candidate for All Saints West, Harold Lovell, has also secured a location in his constituency to serve as a campaign office, further signaling the party’s readiness for the contest ahead.

Attention is now turning to tonight’s highly anticipated ABLP campaign launch, where the official election date is expected to be revealed. Preparations have been underway for days along Nugent Avenue, with crews assembling a stage and installing sound systems near the party’s headquarters.

Supporters from across the island are expected to converge on St. John’s for the event, with transportation arrangements already being made to bring in voters from rural communities.

The ABLP is entering the race under the theme “The Renaissance: A New Era of Development,” setting the tone for what is expected to be a closely watched and energetic election campaign.