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The Commonwealth Observer Group’s preliminary findings on the 2026 General Elections in Antigua and Barbuda show a process that was transparent, peaceful, and well administered.
However, concerns over the polarisation of the media environment emerged during the electoral period, a point also raised in a previous Commonwealth Observer Group report.Addressing a press conference in St John’s, Chairperson of the Group, Hon. Dr Pelonomi Venson, former Foreign Affairs Minister of Botswana, delivered a statement on behalf of the Group praising the conduct of all stakeholders on election day, noting that the process unfolded in an orderly and calm atmosphere.
She said:“Observers noted that during the election period, there were instances of polarised and personal attacks exchanged between political parties and candidates on radio stations and across social media platforms.
We would advise that this be discouraged through editorial standards and clearer guidelines for respectful political communication, particularly during campaign periods, in order to promote more constructive public debate.
”The Observer Group observed final campaign activities across Antigua and Barbuda, including rallies and political events, noting they were well attended and reflected active citizen engagement in the democratic process.
The Group also reiterated a recommendation from a previous Commonwealth Observer Group report which urged the strengthening of campaign finance legislation.
It encouraged relevant authorities, political parties, and stakeholders to consider measures to improve the regulation and transparency of campaign financing.
The statement commended the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission for providing a comprehensive information pack to observers.
It noted that this included detailed information such as polling station locations, the number of registered voters per station, and data disaggregated by age and gender, stating that this helped to avoid obstruction to the smooth flow of voting at polling stations.
The Commonwealth Observer Group commended the people of Antigua and Barbuda for their continued commitment to democratic principles.
The final report, which will set out the full findings of the process and provide detailed recommendations, will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon. Shirley Botchwey, in the coming weeks.
It will then be shared with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the electoral commission, political parties, and other stakeholders.Read the full Interim Statement
Notes to Editors The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.7 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under.
The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-three of our members are small states, many of which are island nations.
The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights.
Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.
Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural and professional organisations.
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‘Observers noted that during the election period, there were instances of polarised and personal attacks exchanged between political parties and candidates on radio stations and across social media platforms.
We would advise that this be discouraged through editorial standards and clearer guidelines for respectful political communication, particularly during campaign periods, in order to promote more constructive public debate.’
When initial respectful political communication has been met with violence and abuse, your statement feels like tolerating abuse for thee but not for me.
Is a word said by an angry person (entitled to be angry) weighing more than clear human rights abuses?
Which one you address first?
You’re quick to judge words whilst completely disregarding human rights abuses happening under your eyes!
Are you sure you know what has priority?
Censorship is not constructive public debate!
Au contraire!
Because, sometimes, after everything has been tried without success, some people have only anger left.
Anger is real, it can heal through speaking, writing, drawing, box.
It’s called sublimation, and it’s better than physical attacks driven by anger, isn’t it?
Make your risk assessment to all decisions!
A couple of good recommendations from the Commonwealth Observer team. All along many have mentioned about the the transparency and financial imbalance in campaigning.
How was the ABLP allowed to financially “blitz” so many voters, yet the UPP were hardly noticeable?
For instance, anytime I opened up any of my electronic devices (I,e. laptop, notepad or mobile) to any Antiguan news, an ABLP political poster kept popping up on screen.
No opposition party can compete with that.
Also,
A couple of good recommendations from the Commonwealth Observer team. All along many Antiguans have mentioned about the lack of transparency and financial imbalance in campaigning.
How was the ABLP allowed to financially “blitz” so many voters, yet the UPP were hardly noticeable?
For instance, anytime I opened up any of my electronic devices (I,e. laptop, notepad or mobile) to any Antiguan news item, an ABLP political poster kept popping up on my screen.
No opposition party can compete with that!!!
Also, I like that the Commonwealth Observer team didn’t like the lack of “respectful political communication” during the campaign. Something that again was troubling many Antiguans.
Hopefully, these recommendations will be actioned for future elections; and a more level playing is witnessed.
In all honesty, I am beginning to question the relevance and importance of the Caricom Observer Missions at elections, not just in Antigua and Barbuda but throughout the region. Election is not just about what happens on polling day but the events leading up to elections day are even more relevant and noteworthy. . Money, payouts, bribes and more have literally taken over our elections and the credibility of our elections are always doubtful. To the credit of our citizens, polling day activities are usually smooth and event free. Observers frequently urge governments to implement integrity legislation requiring the disclosure of funding sources. They note that unregulated political finance allows wealthy donors to marginalize reform-oriented parties and gives incumbents a “decided advantage” through access to state resources. While demands for reform are often heard during and after every election campaign, they are never sustained and no candidate or party has ever been charged with a funding offense. So the Observer Mission Report is the same ole same old until the next cycle with the same buyouts and payouts. Nothing ever changes but the reports concludes the elections as a credible one.