Does the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) have a hope of upsetting the political status quo of Antigua and Barbuda? Could it win an election if one were called in the next 12 months? In this episode we talk about the electoral prospects for the organisation which has been around since 2017, and we ask whether it will be able to seriously appeal to voters, who know too well that two party races are easier to win.

The host is Kieron Murdoch. The guests are:

The DNA has been emphasizing a renewed commitment to liberal values - the rule of law, democratic principles and accountable governance. These are things which have at times been very absent in the political history of Antigua and Barbuda. They’ve also emphasized long-term planning, inclusivity and consultation, and local government reform. Economically, they stress the need to grow other sectors of the economy alongside tourism. 

But how "new, fresh, and dynamic" are their ideas really? Haven't we heard the similar pledges from other parties? Does anything really set them apart? And importantly, who can say how well they'd fare in a three party race against the juggernaut Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the limping juggernaut United Progressive Party (UPP)? And for those voters unhappy with the government, won't they know it's unsound to split their vote amongst opposition parties? 

Perhaps the real question is: Could the DNA present itself as having enough support going in to an election so as to convince voters to support it on the grounds that it might actually win seats outright, and not merely frustrate other parties as red and blue commentators have argued. Or can it convince voters to vote on principle, if those voters have indeed grown tired of both the ABLP and UPP after 27 years of having just those options? 

This programme first aired on NewsCo Observer Radio 91.1 FM on July 4th, 2021. Get the latest news from Antigua and Barbuda at the Antigua Observer online.