2014 Antiguan general election

General elections were held in Antigua and Barbuda on 12 June 2014.[1] The vote was won by the opposition Antigua Labour Party, led by Gaston Browne. Following the election, Browne became the country's youngest Prime Minister.

Background

After a long delay due to a pending Court order about a boundary change which would have affected the parliamentary seats, on 15 May 2014 the Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer set the election day.[2]

Electoral system

The 17 elected members of the House of Representatives were elected in single-member constituencies by first-past-the-post.[3] There were 164 polling stations.[4]

Campaign

During the campaign Gaston Browne said that he would make the country an economic powerhouse in the Caribbean. He also campaigned on turning around a stagnant economy, high unemployment and crime. He further sought to bring about full employment and attract investment while saying "there will be no quick fixes" and it would take time to change.[4]

Results

The Antigua Labour Party won 14 of 17 seats, while the ruling UPP won the other three seats.[5] UPP Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer won re-election to his own seat by a narrow margin of about 30 votes.[6]

Party	Votes	%	Seats	+/–
Antigua Labour Party	24,212	56.45	14	+7
United Progressive Party	17,994	41.95	3	−6
Barbuda People's Movement	484	1.13	0	−1
Antigua & Barbuda True Labour Party	182	0.42	0	New
Antigua Barbuda People's Movement	13	0.03	0	New
Missing Link VOP	7	0.02	0	New
Invalid/blank votes	185	–	–	–
Total	43,077	100	17	0
Registered voters/turnout	47,720	90.27	–	–
Source: Antigua Elections

Reactions

Browne said of the result that "it is evident that the people have spoken and they have spoken resoundly. [sic] [I am] very humbled by the mandate. The reality is that this country is in dire straits and would require the efforts of the entire nation. [The win is] one for you the people. We have actually set an impressive vision for this country. I remain hopeful and very optimistic about the future of the Antigua and Barbuda. I want us to work towards the vision and to make Antigua and Barbuda the envy of the other countries in the world. [The victory] itself actually speaks volumes. I would not think we could have deserved a better out turn."[4] Spencer accepted defeat, saying that the people had clearly chosen the ALP.[6]

International

 Saint Kitts and Nevis Team Unity leader Timothy Harris congratulated Browne and said he would support the new government. He added: "I extend my very best wishes to you and your incoming administration as you assume the mandate of service to the people of Antigua and Barbuda and the region. From our many interactions over the years, I know that you are passionate and committed to build a better Antigua and Barbuda and Caribbean region. In that noble mission of service to the people you have our every encouragement and support."[5]

Government formation

Attorney Steadroy "Cuttie" Benjamin became the attorney general.[4]

References

1. "Voting Day is June 12, 2014" Antigua Observer, 15 May 2014
2. Opposition party promises to raise the game Antigua Observer, 17 May 2014
3. Electoral system IPU
4. "Opposition ALP wins Antigua general election". Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
5. "Dr Harris congratulates Antigua Barbuda's Prime Minister Designate Gaston Browne on Election Win". SKNVibes. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
6. Charles, Jacqueline. "Browne becomes new prime minister of Antigua, youngest ever". The Miami Herald. Retrieved 14 June 2014.