Commonwealth Observers Renew Call for Campaign Finance Reform

Commonwealth election observers have renewed calls for Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen its campaign finance laws, warning that greater transparency and oversight are needed to bolster public confidence in the electoral process.

In its final report on the April 30, 2026 general election, the Commonwealth Observer Group said concerns surrounding campaign finance regulation remain unresolved despite similar recommendations being made following previous elections.

The group urged the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) and Parliament to advance legislation governing political finance, including campaign financing, as a matter of priority.

“Such legislation should identify the sources and use of funds, limit contributions from donors, and regulate expenditure by candidates and political parties,” the report stated.

Observers also recommended the establishment of a more robust political finance transparency system, including spending limits, mandatory disclosure of donors and regulation of digital political advertising. The report suggested that a specialized regulatory unit within ABEC could be empowered to enforce the rules.

The Commonwealth team noted that campaign finance in Antigua and Barbuda remains lightly regulated, with limited transparency requirements and few effective controls on political donations. While spending caps exist under electoral laws, the report said they are outdated and poorly enforced, and there is no system of public funding for political parties.

According to the report, political campaigns are largely financed through private contributions, often with limited disclosure, while oversight powers remain constrained.

The issue was highlighted in the observer group’s overall assessment of the election. While the observers concluded that the polls were conducted in a peaceful, orderly and transparent manner, they identified campaign finance transparency and accountability as areas requiring reform.

The report said stronger regulation of political financing would align Antigua and Barbuda with international best practices and help strengthen trust in the country’s democratic institutions.