Gaston Browne Secures Fourth Term in Antigua and Barbuda Amid U.S. Visa Restrictions

On 30 April 2026 Antigua and Barbuda held a snap election. Preliminary results on 1 May gave incumbent Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) a landslide, winning 15 of 17 seats. The United Progressive Party (UPP) secured a single seat for leader Jamale Pringle, while the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) kept the Barbuda seat with Trevor Walker. The ABLP’s majority rose from nine seats in 2023 to 15.

Antigua & Barbuda PM Casts His Vote in Early ElectionsThe GuardianGaston Browne Sworn In for 4th Term as Antigua and Barbuda Prime MinisterThe Straits TimesGaston Browne Secures Fourth Term in Antigua y Barbuda VoteMiami HeraldReuters

In January 2026 the United States suspended visa processing for Antiguan nationals, arguing that the Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programme could be misused by criminals to enter the U.S. The suspension hurt workers who rely on U.S. travel and heightened cost-of-living concerns. Browne’s government responded by tightening CBI regulations to improve transparency, making the reforms a central election issue.

The Guardian

Browne thanked voters, pledging to continue economic growth, education, jobs and business opportunities for all citizens. The United States cited security concerns over the CBI programme as the basis for the visa suspension. Observer missions from Caricom, the OAS and the Commonwealth reported a peaceful, well-administered vote. OAS Secretary Albert R. Ramdin praised the electoral process, and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness congratulated Browne on becoming the longest-serving prime minister.

Gaston Browne Sworn In for 4th Term as Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister

Opposition leader Jamale Pringle vowed to work with Washington to restore visa access and promised policies “focused on everyone, without political interference.” Analyst Peter Wickham said the result showed voters understood the visa suspension was beyond the Antiguan government’s control and noted that “the American government… is not that particularly popular now.” The UPP also highlighted rising fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures as election drivers.

The Guardian

The expanded mandate lets Browne push tourism-driven growth, deepen CBI reforms and seek climate-adaptation aid, while the visa suspension underscores Caribbean economies’ dependence on U.S. policy. The peaceful vote reinforces democratic norms in the region.

Reuters

• Jan 2026 – U.S. halts Antiguan visa processing.

Miami Herald

• Apr 30 2026 – Snap election.

Gaston Browne Secures Fourth Term in Antigua y Barbuda Vote

• May 1 2026 – Results (ABLP 15, UPP 1, BPM 1).

Antigua & Barbuda PM Casts His Vote in Early Elections

• May 2 2026 – Browne sworn in.

Miami Herald

One source cites Browne’s vote share at roughly 60 %, while other reports give only seat totals, leaving the exact percentage unverified.

The Straits Times

Key statements from the election period:

The Guardian

• “We are humbled and honoured by your support and confidence.” — Gaston Browne, Prime Minister

Landslide victory for Browne in Antigua election

• “We offer a renaissance in changing times,” — Gaston Browne, Prime Minister

The Guardian

• “focused on everyone, without political interference.” — Jamale Pringle, UPP leader

Antigua & Barbuda PM Casts His Vote in Early Elections

• “I also commend the people and electoral authorities of Antigua and Barbuda for the peaceful conduct at the polls and the excellent organization and execution of the electoral process.” — Albert R. Ramdin, Secretary, Organization of American States

Gaston Browne Sworn In for 4th Term as Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister

Browne will be sworn in on 2 May 2026, and his government plans to implement CBI reforms and pursue climate-adaptation funding.

The Straits Times