{"id":274024,"date":"2026-04-24T07:46:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T11:46:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=274024"},"modified":"2026-04-24T07:53:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T11:53:53","slug":"political-parties-told-to-clear-campaign-material-from-polling-areas-ahead-of-vote","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/political-parties-told-to-clear-campaign-material-from-polling-areas-ahead-of-vote\/","title":{"rendered":"Political Parties Told to Clear Campaign Material From Polling Areas Ahead of Vote"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chairman Orders Removal of Campaign Material Ahead of April 30 Poll<\/strong><\/p>

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The chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission Arthur Thomas has called on political parties to remove all campaign paraphernalia from polling divisions ahead of the April 30 general elections, stressing that voting areas must remain neutral and free from undue influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI also take this opportunity to remind all political parties of their legal and civic obligations to remove political paraphernalia from polling divisions ahead of Election Day,\u201d Thomas said in a national address. \u201cThe polling environment must remain neutral, orderly and free from undue influence.\u201d<\/p>

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The directive comes as the commission intensifies preparations for the upcoming vote, with officials seeking to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.<\/p>

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The chairman also urged voters to complete the replacement of their voter identification cards, warning that participation in the election will not be permitted without a valid ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you have not yet replaced your voter\u2019s ID card, you must do so immediately,\u201d he said. \u201cLet me be clear: No elector can be permitted to vote without a valid voter identification card.\u201d<\/p>

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Thomas noted that the commission has extended operating hours, increased staffing and deployed additional resources to facilitate the replacement process, but said responsibility now lies with voters to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond logistical preparations, the chairman appealed for orderly conduct on Election Day, calling on citizens to respect the process, election officials, security personnel and supporters of opposing parties.<\/p>

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\u201cOrder, compliance and mutual respect are not optional. They are essential to the credibility of the outcome,\u201d he said.<\/p>

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Describing elections as the cornerstone of democracy, he urged the public to participate \u201cresponsibly, peacefully and lawfully,\u201d adding that it is the collective duty of all citizens to uphold the country\u2019s democratic traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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