Strengthening Democracy: Expanding Parliamentary Representation in Antigua and Barbuda

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DR. Oswald Thomas

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 BY- Dr. Oswald Thomas

A democracy flourishes when its people feel heard, represented, and empowered. In Antigua and Barbuda, where the population has grown and communities have evolved, the current structure of 17 parliamentary seats no longer reflects the realities of modern governance.

Expanding representation to 25 seats is not just a numerical adjustment—it is a necessary step toward more effective leadership, greater accountability, and a more engaged citizenry. 

The political landscape has shifted, yet our parliamentary structure remains static. Certain constituencies, such as St. John’s Rural West, St. John’s Rural East, St. George’s, St. Peter’s, and Barbuda, have expanded significantly in both population and geographic reach.

The demands on a single representative in these areas far exceed what was once manageable.

Splitting these constituencies would create a more balanced electoral map, allowing representatives to focus more closely on the needs of their communities rather than being stretched too thin. 

With smaller constituencies, democracy becomes more personal. Representatives can engage more directly with their constituents, fostering stronger relationships and ensuring that local concerns receive the attention they deserve.

Elections in smaller districts would require fewer resources, shifting the dynamic away from reliance on special interest groups and toward genuine, people-driven representation.

When MPs are less beholden to external funding pressures, they are freer to advocate for policies that prioritize their constituents rather than those with deep pockets. 

Bermuda offers a compelling example of the benefits of enhanced representation. Despite its population of just 64,589 and a landmass of only 21 square miles, Bermuda’s parliament consists of 36 seats.

This structure allows for close ties between elected officials and the people they serve, leading to more responsive governance and stronger civic engagement.

By contrast, Antigua and Barbuda—with a population of approximately 100,000 and a landmass of 171 square miles—operates with a system that has not kept pace with its evolving social and political realities.

A more localized, people-centered approach to governance would allow Antigua and Barbuda to build on its democratic foundations and move toward a future where every citizen’s voice carries weight. 

Expanding parliamentary representation is important for increasing the number of seats and improving the quality of governance. As the country grows, so too must its institutions.

A system that was once sufficient may now be limiting progress, stifling engagement, and leaving some communities underrepresented.

Addressing these imbalances would strengthen democracy, making it more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people. 

Antigua and Barbuda stand at a crossroads. Expanding parliamentary representation would not be a departure from democratic principles but a fulfillment of them.

It is a call to modernize governance, ensure fairness in representation, and embrace a system where leaders are closer to the people they serve.

In doing so, the nation would not only enhance its democracy but set a standard for effective governance in the region. 

About the author:

Dr. Oswald R. Thomas is a political strategist, government affairs expert, and a clinical, forensic, and political psychologist specializing in political psychology, public policy, and governance strategy.

He has served as a special advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, a constituency campaign chairman, and a commissioner of youth empowerment.

With over 30 years of experience in political consulting, electoral strategy, and policy analysis, he provides research-driven insights that enhance leadership and democratic engagement.

Dr. Thomas holds PhD’s from Pacific Western University and Northcentral University, a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s from Metropolitan College of New York, and has completed clinical training in behavioral analysis.

His work continues to shape conversations on governance, representation, and the psychology of political decision-making. Dr. Thomas has published two books (Breaking The Bonds of Dependence and The Delight And Dilemma Of Female-To-Male Transgender) as well as many articles.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. With the proposed increase to 25 constituencies Antigua and Barbuda would have the biggest House of Representatives in the OECS. The size of the House of Representatives in Dominica is 21, St. Lucia 17, St. Vincent 15 and Grenada 15. All these countries are larger than Antigua and Barbuda both in size and population. In seeking voter parity in the number of constituencies, the easiest way of doing it would be to change the boundaries of some constituencies (rather than increasing the number) to try to achieve as far as possible parity. However, to have 25 constituencies in this small island is a waste of time. Perhaps we should have less constituencies with increased voter parity.

    • Happy New Year Mr. Tabor!
      Good to see you still around. Did you get permission from CHAOS DEMON to resume posting online? Your son has balls and backbone. Hope you get some for 2025. How are things with your leader Mr. Pringle?

  2. With all due respect my esteemed friend, I do not think that there is any need to expand the number of constituencies we have. What we need is proper and effective redistricting to allow for parity and equal amount of people per constituency. Equal suffrage is best achieved by assigning the same number of voters to each representative/constituency. While the true equality of delimitation may not always be possible, variances should rarely exceed 10 percent.
    The public and all groups should participate in any delimitation and redistricting of boundaries. This is not a process that can take place in a few months. At present we see redistricting as a means of securing electorial advantage to one side or the other and there is too much politicization in the process. We also need to move to an effective system of local government in order to take the strain and burden off our elected Parliamentarians.

  3. @Truth Be Told you must be seriously joking. I post comments all the time to share my knowledge and also to generate discussion. Whoever the CHAOS DEMON that you refer to is, I do not need permission from anyone to post comments. I have no idea about the leader of the UPP Mr. Pringle. However, the UPP needs to become more energized and act like a real Opposition Party. It requires more than occasional press releases to mobilize the masses and win them to your side. Finally TRUTH BE TOLD, my son got all his balls and backbone from me.

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