Electors in Antiguans and Barbuda who include Dominicans, have turned out early to cast their ballots in what observers say will be a tightly contested general election.
Polls opened at 6 a.m. sharp but voters were already in queues from 5 a.m., quite a turn of events from the 2018 elections where residents trickled in slowly.
The incumbent Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party is trying to secure a third term in office.
The main opposition United Progressive Party holds one seat (All Saint’s and St Luke) in Parliament. The presumption is that it would want to take 7 additional seats.
In this election, there is also an interest in the independent candidate Asot Michael.
In the case of St Peter’s, pollsters say it remains a seat to be watched in the event that the candidate was able to dislodge at least 20% of the ABLP support in the weeks leading up to the elections.
60,916 people are eligible to vote in today’s general election.
I hope the observers and pollsters are wrong about a close election between the two major political parties. If by some miracle the ABLP manage to win, the electorate would have rewarded the incumbent party for corruption, mismanagement and complete incompetence.
An unmistakable and strong message must be sent to all crooked and unscrupulous politicians and political parties by the electorate. Perform exemplary or we kick you out.
Leaders like Gaston Browne should be sent to the dustbin of history.
Dominica and Antigua are the two most politically corrupt countries in the Caribbean..!
Wish the kick this corrupt Brown Paperbag out of office..
Then drag his butt to court and jail his azz if needs be!!
I have a very strong feeling the government is not going to do well and may even by kicked out of office.