More than 24,000 voter ID cards have been renewed since August 2024, as Antigua and Barbuda moves closer to a general election. According to Antigua.news, Ian Hughes, Supervisor of Elections at the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC), made the disclosure during an appearance on Observer AM, adding that an estimated 18,000 renewals remain outstanding.
"I am looking at the trend…over the next couple of weeks at least, I anticipate another 8,000 electors to come out and to replace their expired voter ID cards," Hughes said.
Hughes also urged electors to safeguard their cards once received, noting that many residents have already misplaced them. His remarks come as political activity intensifies across the twin-island nation, with both the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the United Progressive Party (UPP) ramping up their campaign efforts ahead of a vote. Prime Minister Gaston Browne is expected to announce the election date later today.
For those yet to renew, Hughes offered reassurance that the process itself is swift. "The renewal process takes just around five minutes," he noted. However, he cautioned that wait times can increase as queues form at registration units.
"So if you get there and you meet 5, 6 persons ahead of you, you can safely say that's at least a half an hour wait," Hughes explained. "And so if you really want to be part of the process, I encourage you to wait."
Hughes added that processing of voter ID cards from late March is now complete, with cards expected to reach registration units today. Printing of cards from last week is currently underway and anticipated to be finished by the end of the week, a development he expects will help speed up the overall renewal process in the coming weeks.
Representatives from both the ABLP and the UPP have continued to urge eligible voters to renew their ID cards, emphasising the importance of full participation in the democratic process.
