Prime Minister Gaston Browne has rejected claims that government initiatives amount to election “treating,” insisting that ongoing empowerment programmes are part of long-standing policy rather than campaign tactics.

Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, Browne said measures such as land distribution, duty-free concessions and housing support have been implemented over several years and are not tied to the timing of the general election.

He argued that these initiatives are designed to expand economic opportunity and improve living standards, particularly for lower- and middle-income earners.

Browne maintained that the programmes are consistent with his administration’s broader development strategy and should not be viewed as short-term inducements to voters.

He said the government’s approach has focused on what he described as empowering citizens through access to land, housing and other forms of support, noting that such policies have been in place well before the current election cycle.

The prime minister’s comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the anticipated general election, with opposition figures raising concerns about the timing of several government initiatives.

Browne dismissed those criticisms, saying the measures reflect sustained governance rather than election-driven decisions.