General Elections, 21 March 2018

In early September 2017, a category 5 Hurricane Irma caused near-total destruction of the Island country Antigua and Barbuda, demolishing approximately 95% of its housing and other critical infrastructure. The country became nearly and largely uninhabitable aftermath of the hurricane (ReliefWeb 2017). 

Impact on the Electoral Process 

Hurricane Irma disrupted polling arrangements on the island of Barbuda.  None of the planned polling stations were established in Barbuda for the 21 March 2018 general election due to the extensive damage (Digital Journal, 2018) Consequently, estimates of around 400 residents of Barbuda returned to Antigua to cast their votes.  

In terms of the legal basis for adjustments, Antigua and Barbuda’s Representation of the People Act (2001) provides legal mechanisms whereby elections can be postponed or rescheduled following a state of emergency or other significant disruption to the electoral process including the electoral register and or essential supplies. (Michael V., 2023) 

Following the event, the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission took significant actions to safeguard electoral integrity and access. For example, the Electoral Commission worked on centralizing voting in affected areas. Further, the government also supported transportation needs, accommodations, and meals and thereby ensuring residents’ voting rights (Digital Journal, 2018) 

Ahead of the election, the Supervisor of Elections publicly revealed that contingency plans - such as back-ups for power outages would be finalized. (Michael V., 2023)  

Despite the challenges, elections did go ahead according to schedule and voter turnout remained robust in 2018, with about 87% participation among eligible Barbudan voters who were able to travel and cast their ballots. As stated by the Freedom House, this reflected the substantial mobilization of electoral and government actions in times of natural hazards (Freedome House, 2020).

Author: Amali Thanthrige