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Antigua and Barbuda: Politics and Governance

by Strong Americas | Jul 16, 2026

Antigua and Barbuda is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations. The British monarch serves as head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General, while executive power rests with the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The bicameral Parliament consists of a House of Representatives, whose members are directly elected, and a Senate, whose members are appointed.

The country's political landscape has historically been shaped by two major parties, the Antigua Labour Party and the United Progressive Party. Barbuda also maintains a degree of local self-governance through the Barbuda Council, reflecting the island's distinct identity within the twin-island nation. Antigua and Barbuda participates actively in regional bodies such as CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.