Election Momentum Builds as Parties Ramp Up Campaign Activity

Published
Election Momentum Builds as Parties Ramp Up Campaign Activity
Election fervor continues to rise in the country

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.

Election Momentum Builds as Parties Ramp Up Campaign Activity
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.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/04/07/election-momentum-builds-as-parties-ramp-up-campaign-activity. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (2)

  • Apex Jones April 7, 2026, 12:30 PM

    Richard is the only person on UPP slate that makes sense
    Reply
  • Informed citizen April 7, 2026, 9:48 PM

    Wonder which color i will be this time around. Am i blue or am i red.
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section