Antigua and Barbuda PM Browne wins fourth term promising growth

(Reuters) – Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne ​won a landslide election victory late on Thursday, securing a fourth term after ‌a campaign dominated by the economy and concerns over U.S. visa restrictions.

Browne’s Labour Party increased its majority by winning 15 seats in the 17-seat parliament, according to preliminary official data. The opposition ​United Progressive Party, seen as its main challenger, won only ​one seat.

“We are humbled and honored by your support and ⁠confidence,” the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party said on social media.

Browne, ​a 59-year-old former banker and businessman who has led the Labour Party ​since 2014, campaigned on economic stability and investment-led growth, pointing to a post-pandemic recovery in tourism and to infrastructure expansion.

The political debate was mostly dominated by Washington’s decision ​in January to suspend visa processing for Antigua and Barbuda nationals – a ​major blow for locals who regularly travel to the United States for work.
Washington raised ‌concerns ⁠over a program where foreigners can secure citizenship in the Eastern Caribbean twin-island state through investment. It argued that criminals could exploit the scheme to get into the United States.

Browne’s administration said it was working ​with the U.S. ​and that it ⁠has already brought in reforms to make the Citizenship by Investment Program more robust and transparent.

The Labour Party ​called the general election last month, two years ​ahead of ⁠schedule, saying it needed a new mandate at a time of international crisis. It had a nine-seat majority in the last parliament.

There will be ⁠a second ​vote count on Friday to confirm the ​results of the general election that has been monitored by international observers.