The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has called on former chairman Bruce Goodwin to retract what it described as “false, reckless and malicious” allegations against the Commission, warning that it is prepared to pursue legal action to defend its independence and the integrity of the electoral process.
In a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday, ABEC said it “rejects utterly” comments made by Goodwin during an appearance on the programme Eye on the Issues, hosted by Louisa Tully, in which he questioned the independence of the Commission and the legitimacy of the 30 April 2026 General Elections.
“The Commission calls for Mr. Goodwin to retract the statements which are unfounded, irresponsible and damaging,” ABEC stated. “The Commission rejects them utterly and will take whatever legal action is necessary to defend its independence, its officers and the integrity of the electoral process.”
ABEC described the allegations as “grave, wholly unsubstantiated, and entirely devoid of credible evidential foundation,” insisting that its policies, systems and operational procedures remain lawful, transparent and institutionally independent.
The Commission said it had “not been captured by the State,” was not under partisan control, and maintained no improper links to any state apparatus. It labelled any suggestion to the contrary as “false, scandalous and deeply irresponsible.”
ABEC also expressed disappointment that the comments came from a former chairman, stating that Goodwin should understand “the constitutional importance of ABEC’s independence and the damage that reckless public misinformation can do to public confidence in democratic institutions.”
“It is an attack on the integrity of the electoral process itself,” the statement added.
The Commission defended the work of the Supervisor of Elections, commissioners, staff members and scrutineers, saying they had carried out their duties “professionally, honourably and tirelessly.”
ABEC further stated that if anyone possesses credible evidence of electoral wrongdoing, such information should be submitted to the relevant authorities rather than aired publicly without proof.
“The dissemination of serious accusations in the public domain, without proof and in a manner calculated to inflame suspicion and disrepute, is a reckless abuse of public commentary and an affront to responsible democratic engagement,” the Commission said.
ABEC also pointed to the presence of local, regional and international observer groups during the election process, arguing that the transparency of its operations would have been evident to those missions.
The Commission urged the public to disregard Goodwin’s allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality, legality and transparency in electoral administration.
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If its one thing people can say about ABEC is that their transparency cannot ever ever be questioned.
ABEC is as transparent as the boxes they used this election
Why would anybody give Bruce Goodwin the time of daylight anyway
We heard the remarks and we laughed. Mr Chairman you should try laughing at that
Absolutely right to clear the air. Some people can’t remove themselves from political mess and it sickens me to the core
Antigua News Room dumb down the public so much that none of their commentators have any interests in this matter.
What do they do? Create comments with Bots.
Some news article are written by AI,
Nothing wrong with Ai written articles so long as it’s factual
One thing Bruce Goodwin analysis is always cogent and impactful, all the other officials at ABEC including the UPP scrutineer are either under a state capture like many of the civil servants including the police and judiciary, Gaston has used the judiciary as threat to silence the citizenry, the alacrity or response of Mr John shows he is playing to the gallery of his pay master, but his ay master have a way of spilling the bean since he is an extrovert, remember Gaston exclaimed for all to hear that he moved people from one constituency to weaker ones to secure his political party victory, and his bold claim show their is assistance from ABEC, just lately Gaston came to the air wave and admitted he gave out money for the election because he is benevolent.
It would not be long before Gaston spill his guts on Mr John complicity in helping ALP to win the election, not that I am saying they wouldn’t win, because Pringle is a cause for ALP to win, Pringle has some kind a working relationship with the financier of both party, and it’s not baba Patrice, he is just a conduit used by this wealthy person, baba has no money for that sort of a manipulation, he is poor and barely able to do a few things.
Had the UPP change their leadership to Harold Lovell or someone else, the undecided voters who was turned off by Pringle who admitted on the news media he is a rookie would have come out and vote overwhelmingly and change the narrative and all scheming by Gaston and his lap dog state captured civil servants, and UPP would a either win or a coalition government would have been in place.
Bruce Goodwin brings energy and enthusiasm to the discussion, and that threat of suing is Gaston recitation given to me Thomas to read, I bet they won’t go near the court and of they go it is to use the system of the court to intimidate by having it drag on forever to punish anyone who standup against this criminal regime that cost the Antiguan visa travel restriction to the USA and other parts of the world.
One thing Bruce Goodwin analysis is always cogent and impactful, all the other officials at ABEC including the UPP scrutineer are either under a state capture like many of the civil servants including the police and judiciary, Gaston has used the judiciary as threat to silence the citizenry, the alacrity or response of Mr John shows he is playing to the gallery of his pay master, but his pay master have a way of spilling the bean since he is an extrovert, remember Gaston exclaimed for all to hear that he moved people from one constituency to weaker ones to secure his political party victory, and his bold claim show their is assistance from ABEC, just lately Gaston came to the air wave and admitted he gave out money for the election because he is benevolent.
It would not be long before Gaston spill his guts on Mr John complicity in helping ALP to win the election, not that I am saying they wouldn’t win, because Pringle is a cause for ALP to win, Pringle has some kind a working relationship with the financier of both party, and it’s not baba Patrice, he is just a conduit used by this wealthy person, baba has no money for that sort of a manipulation, he is poor and barely able to do a few things.
Had the UPP change their leadership to Harold Lovell or someone else, the undecided voters who was turned off by Pringle who admitted on the news media he is a rookie would have come out and vote overwhelmingly and change the narrative and all scheming by Gaston and his lap dog state captured civil servants, and UPP would a either win or a coalition government would have been in place.
Bruce Goodwin brings energy and enthusiasm to the discussion, and that threat of suing is Gaston recitation given to mr Thomas to read, I bet they won’t go near the court and if they go it is to use the system of the court to intimidate by having it drag on forever to punish anyone who standup against this criminal regime that cost the Antiguan visa travel restriction to the USA and other parts of the world.
When is the ABEC going to take the ABLP Cabal to court for bribery? Didn’t they learn of what Gaston had to say about the distribution of funds?
This significant allegation mustn’t be swept under the carpet like the many other controversies plaguing Antigua & Barbuda at present.
If the former Chairman of ABEC Bruce Goodwin has categorically stated that they were “captured by the State”, this has to be thoroughly and independently investigated.
This accusation is so serious that it could make all previous elections null and void … it’s that serious!
Bruce Goodwin must now put up or shut up! I really hope that he misspoke …
There can be no turning back on this issue now. The rumours and whispers need to dealt with once and for all!
Bwoi, there’s always something troubling my country?
WHAT THE HELL NEXT…?
Bruce has to do only these things, stay black and die.
Let ABEC take him to court. The burnden of proof is on them to show he slandered them. this is where discovery comes in. Sure you want to sue him, ABEC?
Ha, know you only talking. Trying to frighten him.
Please sue him. The public needs to hear how you have been helping Gaston win elections for all this time.
Bruce knows that to make these accusations WITHOUT TANGIBLE PROOF is like throwing an empty backpack into a room, yelling bomb, and running away.
I find this allegations reckless and he needs to come with proof.
BRUCE,YOU HAVE STEPPED ONTO THEIR TOES AND MASHED DEM CARN.NOW,DEM A CRY LIKE BITCHES/DAWGS.
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