ABEC to Temporarily Close Headquarters and Registration Units Following Election Period

The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has announced the temporary closure of all of its Registration Units and headquarters from May 5 to May 8, citing the intense demands placed on staff during the recent election period.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commission said normal operations will resume on Monday, May 11.

ABEC said the decision was made after “careful deliberation” and while fully recognizing its obligations under the Representation of the People Act, which requires voter registration services to remain available throughout the year.

However, the Commission noted that it also has a responsibility to ensure the wellbeing and operational readiness of its staff following weeks of strenuous work tied to the electoral process.

According to ABEC, employees at headquarters and registration units across the country worked under significant pressure in the lead-up to the election. The Commission said some staff members worked shifts exceeding 16 hours without adequate rest, while headquarters maintained round-the-clock operations during critical periods before Election Day.

The Commission added that despite the demanding schedule, registration units continued to provide uninterrupted voter registration, renewals, and voter card distribution services to the public.

ABEC said the efforts of its staff contributed to what it described as an electoral process that was “efficient, orderly, and incident-free.”

The Commission stressed that the closure is an administrative measure intended to recognize the exceptional demands recently placed on its personnel and not a departure from its commitment to public accessibility or compliance with electoral laws.

ABEC also thanked the public for its understanding and expressed gratitude to its staff for their dedication and service during the election period.