2014 Antiguan general election

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2014 Antiguan general election
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All 17 seats in the House of Representatives
9 seats needed for a majority
  First party Second party
  Gaston Browne and Anton Bakov cropped.jpg BaldwinSpencer.jpg
Leader Gaston Browne Baldwin Spencer
Party ABLP UPP
Leader since 25 November 2012[1] 1992
Leader's seat St. John's City West St John's Rural West
Last election 47.16%, 7 seats 50.95%, 9 seats
Seats won 14 3
Seat change Increase 7 Decrease 6
Popular vote 24,212 17,994
Percentage 56.45% 41.95%
Swing Increase 9.29pp Decrease 9.00pp
Antigua and Barbuda election results 2014.svg
Winning party by constituency
Prime Minister before election

Baldwin Spencer
UPP

Subsequent Prime Minister

Gaston Browne
ABLP

Politics of Antigua and Barbuda
Coat of arms of Antigua and Barbuda.svg
Executive
Legislative
  • Parliament
    Senate
    President
    House of Representatives
    Speaker
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Administrative divisions
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  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    Minister: E.P. Chet Greene
  • Other countries
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General elections were held in Antigua and Barbuda on 12 June 2014.[2] The result was a victory for the opposition Antigua Labour Party led by Gaston Browne, which won 14 of the 17 seats. 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.[3]

Electoral system[]

The 17 elected members of the House of Representatives were elected in single-member constituencies by first-past-the-post.[4] There were 164 polling stations.[5]

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.[5]

Results[]

The Antigua Labour Party won 14 of 17 seats, while the ruling UPP won the other three seats.[6] UPP Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer won re-election to his own seat by a narrow margin of about 30 votes.[7]

Antigua Chambre des représentants 2014.svg
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party24,21256.4514+7
United Progressive Party17,99441.953−6
Barbuda People's Movement4841.130−1
Antigua & Barbuda True Labour Party1820.420New
Antigua Barbuda People's Movement130.030New
Missing Link VOP70.020New
Total42,892100.00170
Valid votes42,89299.57
Invalid/blank votes1850.43
Total votes43,077100.00
Registered voters/turnout47,72090.27
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."[5] Spencer accepted defeat, saying that the people had clearly chosen the ALP.[7]

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."[6]

Government formation[]

Attorney Steadroy "Cuttie" Benjamin became the attorney general.[5]

References[]

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