Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: For the purpose of the election of members of the House, Antigua and Barbuda shall be divided into such number of constituencies, at least one of which shall be within Barbuda, having such boundaries as may be provided for by an order made by the Governor-General, upon approval by the Parliament.
Source: Constitution: Sections 62 and 65.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/06
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: In reviewing the number, and the boundaries, of the constituencies and making its report thereon, a Constituencies Boundaries Commission shall be guided by such general principles as may be prescribed by Parliament.
Source: Constitution: Section 64:3.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/06
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
c . Executive d . Boundary Commission
Comments: The Constituencies Boundaries Commission for Antigua and Barbuda is appointed from time to time to review the number, and the boundaries, of the constituencies. Is composed of four members, including a chair person, all appointed by Governor-General.
Source: Constitution: art. 63:1.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/06
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
f . Inherited monarchy with a Governor appointed by the Monarch
Comments: The monarch of Great Britain is the Head of State, represented by the Governor General.
22.- There shall be a Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda who shall be a citizen appointed by Her Majesty and shall hold office during Her Majesty's pleasure and who shall be Her Majesty's representative in Antigua and Barbuda.
68. The executive authority of Antigua and Barbuda is vested in Her Majesty.
2. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive authority of Antigua and Barbuda may be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty by the Governor-General either directly or through officers subordinate to him.
Source: Constitution Sections 22 & 68
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/04
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: 69.1. There shall be a Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda who shall be appointed by the Governor-General.
2. Whenever there is occasion for the appointment of a Prime Minister, the Governor-General shall appoint as Prime Minister-
a. a member of the House who is the leader in the House of the political party that commands the support of the majority of members of the House; or
b. where it appears to him that such party does not have an undisputed leader in the House or that no party commands the support of such a majority, the member of the House who in his judgement is most likely to command the support of the majority of members of the House,
- and is willing to accept the office of Prime Minister.
Source: Constitution, Section 69, Articles 1-3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/06
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 22 & 68
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/06
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: 27. There shall be a Parliament in and for Antigua and Barbuda which shall consist of Her Majesty, a Senate and a House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution, Section 27
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/06
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
j . Other
Comments: The Senate shall consist of seventeen persons who, being qualified for appointment as Senators in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, have been so appointed in accordance with the provisions of this section
Source: Constitution, Section 28
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/04
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Antigua Constitution,Art. 38, 39, 40.4
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Representation of the People Act
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/representation-of-the-people-act/view
Verified: 2014/06/04
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act: art. 1
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-the-representation-of-the/view
Verified: 2014/06/04
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Constitution Article 40.2
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/04
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
e . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2011/07/28
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: EMB website www.antiguaelections.com
http://www.abec.gov.ag/
Verified: 2014/06/05
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
b . The Prime Minister
Comments: b) The cabinet.
"The funding of the Commission has also been a concern. Though supposedly an independent body, the Commission appears to operate as a department of the government when it comes to the allocation of money to it. We were told that requests for funds had to be approved by cabinet and applied for through the ministry of finance."
-Commonwealth Report on Antigua & Barbuda General Elections 2004
Source: Commonwealth election observer group:
http://aceproject.org/regions-en/countries-and-territories/AG/reports/antigua-and-barbuda-general-election-2004-report
Verified: 2014/06/05
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
h . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2014/06/05
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: For a term of seven years.
Source: Representation of the People Act (Amendment 2001), art 3. 5a
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2014/06/05
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 5 members
Source: Representation of the People Act, art 3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, art 3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the-1/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State b . Head of Government d . Opposition
Comments: EMB members are appointed by the governor general with the advice of the prime minister and the leader of opposition
Source: Representation of the People Act, art 3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the-1/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations i . Media
Comments: The EMB shall, according to law, design a voter education program. In co-operation with media this education shall be executed. Civil society may also take part in this. However, according to the Commonwealth election observer group, no voter education was conducted in the run-up to the 2004 elections. The reason for this was lack of funds, the EMB received its funds only a few weeks before the election and this made it impossible to conduct voter education. The answers above refers therefore to the legal provisions for voter education and not the actual situation as it was like in the 2004 elections.
Source: Representation of the People Act (Amendment 2001): part II. 36.1-3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
http://aceproject.org/regions-en/countries-and-territories/AG/reports/antigua-and-barbuda-general-election-2004-report
Verified: 2014/06/05
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2014/06/05
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2014/06/05
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Art. 40:2.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence e . Other
Comments: Every Commonwealth citizen of the age of eighteen years or upwards who possesses such qualifications relating to residence or domicile in Antigua and Barbuda as parliament may prescribe shall, unless he is disqualified by any law from registration as a voter for the purpose of electing a member of the House, be entitled to be registered as such a voter in accordance with the provisions of any law in that behalf and no other person may be registered.
Source: Constitution: art. 40:2-3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission
Source: Representation of the People Act (2001), Art 20-21
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: But it is necessary to registered in order to be able to vote.
Source: Constitution: art. 40:3.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) b . Deposit requirement (specify amount)
Comments: a) 10 voters, in the presence of the returning officer.
b) 500 dollars.
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2002, art. 10, 12
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence j . Other
Comments: a) 21 years
Ordinary residence in Antigua and Barbuda for a period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of his election and to be able to speak and, unless incapacitated by blindness or other physical cause, to read the English language with sufficient profiency to enable him to take an active part in the proceedings of the House.
Source: Constitution 38.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2009/08/20
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: In fact, it is not required to be member or nominated by a political in order to become a candidate for House of Assembly.
Source: Constitution 38.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
http://www.idea.int/publications/fopp_america/upload/Libro_completo.pdf
Commonwealth General Elections Report 2004
http://aceproject.org/regions-en/countries-and-territories/AG/reports/antigua-and-barbuda-general-election-2004-report
Verified: 2014/06/05
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments: There is no public funding of political parties.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
http://www.idea.int/publications/fopp_america/upload/Libro_completo.pdf
Representation of the People Act 2001 Art 83
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act 2001 Art 83
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act Amendment 2002, art. 55-56
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the-1/view
Verified: 2014/06/06
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: 57. (1) A candidate, if present when the counting or any recount of the votes is completed, may require the returning officer to have the votes re-counted. (2) No step shall be taken on the completion of the counting or any re-count of the votes until the candidates at the completion thereof have been given a reasonable opportunity to exercise the right conferred by this rule.
Source: Representation of the People Act, art. 57
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the-1/view
Verified: 2014/06/06
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
e . As agreed by special committee
Comments: 2(b) requiring owners of electronic and print media to
provide equitable allocation of time and space, in a
non-discriminatory manner to enable political parties
and candidates to carry their messages in accordance
with guidelines established by the Commission
Source: Representation of the People Act Amendment 2002 Section 36. 1-3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the-1/view
Verified: 2014/06/06
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/08/20
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Referendum Act 35&37-Discuss areas that it is illegal to spend money on during elections.
However, it does not appear that there is a spending limit on advertising
Source: Representation of the People Act sect 35, 37
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/representation-of-the-people-act/view
Representation of the People Act Amendment 2001 sect 83
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
Verified: 2014/06/06
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Chapter IV, Part 2, Section 47, subsection 5&6
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2014/06/06
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Chapter IV, Part 2, Section 47, subsection 5&6
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2014/06/06
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2014/06/06
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/20
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/20
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/20
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/20
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/20
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/08/20
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, part I article 3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
g . Other h . No information available
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act (2001) Sect 3.3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
d . By proxy f . Other
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act (2001), Sect 3.3
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act (2001), Art 40.2 -42
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the/view
(2002) Part III. 23
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/antigua-and-barbuda-amendment-to-the-1/view
Verified: 2014/06/05
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