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Antigua and Barbuda prime minister wins fourth consecutive term in snap election
Browne’s party won 15 of 17 seats as voters focused on the economy and U.S. visa restrictions, official results showed.
On Thursday, Incumbent Prime Minister Gaston Browne secured a fourth consecutive term in a landslide election victory, with the Labour Party winning 15 of 17 parliamentary seats.
The Labour Party called the election two years ahead of schedule, citing a need for a new mandate during an international crisis dominated by economic concerns.
Washington suspended visa processing in January, citing concerns criminals could exploit the Citizenship by Investment Program; the administration is implementing reforms to increase transparency.
The opposition United Progressive Party won only one seat, represented by Jamale Pringle, while Parliament Trevor Walker retained his position for the Movement.
Election officials will conduct a second vote count on Friday to confirm results, while Incumbent Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin will be sworn in on Friday.
According to preliminary results, the party has won nine seats and a majority in Parliament of 17 seats has been guaranteed, while the Popular Movement of Barbuda (BPM), under the leadership of Trevor Walker, achieved one.