Hughes confirmed as the new Supervisor of Elections after Lower House passes Resolution on Thursday

Yesterday, July 27, Members of the Lower House congratulated Ian
Hughes, who had been tipped to become the new supervisor of
elections, describing him as a man of integrity and above reproach.

Hughes, the human resource and training officer at the Antigua and
Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC), was recommended to take
over the position from retired Supervisor of Elections Dame Lorna
Simon – by Simon, herself. 

Confirmation in the position is made by a Resolution of both Houses
of Parliament.

The Member for St. John’s City West, Prime Minister Gaston Browne,
moved the Resolution and made the announcement.

Browne made note that Hughes is already in the system and had
previously acted in the position. He added that, out of the two

possible candidates, Hughes is better suited for the position;
however, he did not name the other contender.

Hughes has been employed at the Commission since July 2003. He
has served as the head of mission for CARICOM observer groups in a
number of countries, including The Bahamas, The Turks & Caicos
Islands, and Suriname.

He has also participated in a number of election professional
training programmes, and served in the elections held in the
Commonwealth of Dominica in December 2022 and the St. Lucia
polls in July 2021.

Accordingly, on the basis of his experience and training in the Office
of the Supervisor of Elections, the Administration believes that he is
the best person to succeed Dame Lorna.

The City West MP said it was important that the position be filled as
soon as was practicable, given that a by-election in the St. Mary’s
South constituency will be held shortly. 

Also extending congratulations to Hughes was Leader of the
Opposition Jamale Pringle, who used the opportunity, as well, to
thank Simon for her contribution to the Commission and to Antigua
and Barbuda on a whole.

Pringle said the United Progressive Party and the Barbuda People’s
Movement both expect that Hughes will carry out his duties without
fear or favour.