The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) will not be fielding candidates in the upcoming general elections — a decision the party says was reached unanimously at a meeting of its Management Committee earlier this week.
Dna Bows Out Snap
In a press release, the party confirmed it would sit out the snap elections, marking an absence from the ballot for the third-party movement that once positioned itself as an alternative to Antigua and Barbuda’s two dominant political forces.
“Following a meeting of the Management Committee of the Democratic National Alliance held earlier this week, it was unanimously decided that the party will not participate in the snap general elections advised by the Prime Minister, which are expected to be called within 90 days,” the statement read.
The DNA, founded on April 18, 2017, and currently led by former MP and Senator Joanne Massiah, used the occasion to thank its base. “The DNA thanks its dedicated supporters, members, and well-wishers for their unwavering support, encouragement and prayers over the years,” the release said.
Despite stepping back from the race, the party did not retreat entirely from the political conversation. It issued a pointed call for the conduct of the elections themselves, urging all political activists and stakeholders “to conduct themselves strictly within the parameters of the Representation of the People Act.” The party further called for the elections “to be conducted in an environment that is free and fair, and free from fear.”
The announcement is the latest chapter in what has been a difficult period for the DNA. The party emerged as a result of fallout from a contentious leadership race within the United Progressive Party following their 2014 general election defeat. But after a wave of resignations between late 2022 and 2023 including founding members and election candidates in the wake of the January 18, 2023 poll, the party’s viability as a credible third option came into serious question.
The DNA closed its statement on a forward-looking note, saying the party “remains committed to the long-term development and prosperity of Antigua and Barbuda.”
