Anguilla is set for a decisive general election as voters head to the polls this week, with early voting already underway for select groups and senior citizens. The highly contested race will determine the next government of this British Overseas Territory, shaping its economic and political landscape for years to come.
With 34 candidates vying for 11 of the 13 available seats in the House of Assembly, the election pits the ruling Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM), led by Premier Ellis L. Webster, against the opposition Anguilla United Front (AUF), headed by Cora Richardson-Hodge. Also in the race is the emerging Anguilla Reliable Team (ART) and five independent candidates, including Palmavon Webster, Avenella Griffith, Keith Fabian, Yusuf Abdul Ali, and Lanny Hobson.
Election Process and Key Issues
Anguilla’s electoral system combines constituency and island-wide representation, with seven seats filled through first-past-the-post voting in single-member districts and four at-large seats chosen through plurality voting. A party or coalition must secure at least seven seats to form a majority government.
As election day nears, key issues dominating the political discourse include:
- The controversial Goods and Services Tax (GST), which has sparked debate over its impact on businesses and residents.
- Anguilla’s AI domain industry, a valuable digital asset that has drawn global interest.
- Crime and public safety, as concerns rise over security and law enforcement policies.
- Tourism and economic diversification, crucial for sustaining the island’s financial health.
- Cost of living, a major talking point for voters facing economic pressures.
New Voting Regulations
To enhance election integrity and efficiency, voter identification cards have been introduced, streamlining the process at polling stations. However, Supervisor of Elections Rodney Rey has clarified that late registrants from February 24 will not be allowed to vote early and must wait until the official election day on Wednesday, February 20, 2025.
With 12,432 registered voters, Anguilla is on the brink of a major political shift—or a reaffirmation of its current leadership. As campaigns wind down, anticipation grows over whether the APM will retain power or if voters will usher in a new era of governance.
