The island of Antigua. Photo by Daniel Wendell, used under a CC license.
On Thursday, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party [1] (ABLP) won the country's general election by 14 seats to three, defeating the ruling United Progressive Party [2], which was attempting to win a third consecutive term in office. ABLP leader Gaston Browne [3] was yesterday sworn in as Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. It is the first time that the party will form the government without being led by a member of the controversial Bird family [4].
Lycie Jollygirlsailor Riley voiced her enthusiasm about the win on Facebook [5]:
It's not Black Friday in Antigua & Barbuda it's Red Friday!!!! Ok tired now from all the jamming and celebrating gonna crash mind at ease ready to rebuild #ABLP [6]
Once the results broke, discussion about the elections continued online, especially on Twitter:
The Antigua Labour Party has won, defeating the United Progressive Party 15-2. Only Baldwin Spencer and Wilmouth Daniel won their seats.
— hamletmark (@hamletmark) June 13, 2014 [7]
Some users were thrilled about the results of the polls…
Congratulations to the Antigua Labour Party for taking back POWER of my island! #Change [8] #Future [9]
— Jaime Newell (@JaimeNewellPT) June 13, 2014 [10]
Congratz to our new Prime Minister Hon Gaston Browne
— ♥Tanya Dorsette♡ (@Cancer91Diva) June 13, 2014 [11]
…while others still needed to be convinced that the ABLP's victory was a positive development for the country:
I weep for Antigua… I hope Gaston and Labour prove me wrong…
— Triz (@Optimus_Primus_) June 13, 2014 [12]
The ABLP campaigned on key issues [13] affecting the island nation: the economy, escalating crime, public health facilities, and education – and netizens were eager to see the party make good on its promises:
Dear Antigua Labour party, does this mean we will actually get the taxes lowered and more jobs?
— Dr. Evil (@Sithvere) June 13, 2014 [14]
The Twitter feed for the Antigua and Barbuda elections is here [15].