Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams praised Antigua and Barbuda’s peaceful general election campaign Tuesday, describing the conduct of voters and political supporters during the April election period as an example of democratic maturity.

Delivering the 2026 Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament, Sir Rodney said the country’s recent election campaign unfolded without violence or vandalism despite intense political competition.

“The people of Antigua and Barbuda have spoken; and, the voice of the people is the voice of God,” the Governor-General said.

Sir Rodney noted that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party was returned to office following the April 30 general election and congratulated lawmakers entering the new parliamentary term.

“I congratulate the new administration on its success at the polls, on 30th April, and extend heartiest best wishes to all parliamentarians who are now charged with commencing a new era in development and prosperity,” he said.

The Governor-General said the behaviour of the electorate during the four-week campaign reflected positively on the country’s democracy.

“Not a single incident of vandalism or violence!” Sir Rodney declared.

“The entire four-week experience casually exceeded the dignity and high regard usually attributed to mature democracies. We are a great nation!” he added.

The Throne Speech also referenced the influence of younger voters and youth-focused campaign promises during the election period, saying the country’s future direction would be shaped by a new generation.

“Despite the overwhelming influence of youth—on the outcome of the contest, and in the pledges of the parties’ future outlook—the expected destination of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, my Government asserts, is to transform our island-State into a formidable economic power,” the Governor-General said.

The address framed the election outcome as the beginning of what the government described as “a new era in development and prosperity,” with plans for expansion in education, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism and investment.