Antigua sets election date

Voters in Antigua and Barbuda are to go to the polls on Thursday March 12 to elect a new government.



Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer announced the date during a televised address to the nation yesterday evening.



Nomination day will be on February 25.



The Antiguan Parliament has been dissolved for more than a week now.



Both major parties, the United Progressive Party and the Antigua Labour party have been campaigning since late last year.



The pro-UPP Barbuda People’s Movement is also expected to contest the lone seat on the sister island.



At least four independent candidates are also expected to have their names on ballots.



Prime Minister Spencer led the UPP to a triumph at the last general election in 2004, ending 28 consecutive years of the ALP rule.