BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS, January 18, 2026: Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced a snap general election on Saturday night, naming February 11, 2026, as the official polling day for the nation.
The highly anticipated announcement was delivered during a Barbados Labour Party (BLP) public meeting in Bridgetown. Prime Minister Mottley is seeking a third consecutive term for the BLP, calling the early general election approximately one year ahead of the constitutional deadline.
The decision mandates that Barbadians return to the polls to elect 30 members to the House of Assembly. This marks the second time Prime Minister Mottley has sought a new mandate well ahead of the legal time limit for polling.
Following the declaration of the election date, Prime Minister Mottley confirmed the immediate steps required for the national voting process. She advised the President that the dissolution of Parliament would occur on Monday, January 19.
The official Nomination Day for all BLP candidates and those from the Opposition party, including the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), is scheduled for January 27.
Election writs are to be issued following review and approval by the Attorney General, Dale Marshall. The process adheres strictly to constitutional procedures for the premature dissolution of Parliament and the calling of the general elections in 2026.
The Barbados Labour Party enters this early general election campaign with a dominant recent political history. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mottley, the BLP secured unprecedented 30-0 victories in both the 2018 and 2022 general elections, completely sweeping the House of Assembly seats.
The Opposition party, primarily the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), has struggled significantly to regain footing. Key figures, including former DLP member Michael Lashley, continue to watch the evolving political landscape.
This election will test whether the DLP can mount a significant challenge and secure representation, or if the BLP will achieve another historic outcome in constituencies like St Thomas and St Joseph.
Speculation regarding an early general election had intensified since late 2025, fueled by statements from Mia Mottley signaling the start of intensive campaigning well in advance of the 2027 constitutional deadline.
The call for the February 11 election date is viewed by analysts as a strategic move to capitalize on the BLP’s current political strength. Electoral behavior expert Peter Wickham stated that the snap election call was predictable given the government’s favorable position.
Mr. Wickham noted that the chances for the Opposition party to achieve meaningful success against the momentum of the Barbados Labour Party remain low. The campaign will now focus intensely on BLP candidates and the status of figures like Ralph Thorne.
The announcement detailed the constitutional steps required for the national voting process, officially initiating the snap election. Prime Minister Mia Mottley confirmed she had advised President Jeffrey Bostic that the dissolution of Parliament would take effect on Monday, January 19.
This action sets a clear and immediate timeline for the Barbados general election activities, overseen by Attorney General Dale Marshall:
- Parliament Dissolution: January 19, 2026
- Nomination Day: January 27, 2026
- Polling Day: February 11, 2026
Speaking to supporters in Bridgetown, Prime Minister Mottley detailed the immediate steps being taken by the administration to secure the new mandate.
“I advised His Excellency that come Monday, the 19th of January, the Parliament of Barbados shall be dissolved,” Prime Minister Mottley said. “The writs for elections will be issued, having been written and approved by the honourable Attorney General, who awaits now only the date.”
The issuance of the election writs formally initiates the process, ensuring the national voting process adheres to the legal time limit for polling. This move solidifies the February 11 election date and the schedule leading up to Nomination Day, January 27, for all BLP candidates and Opposition party contenders.
The call for the Barbados general election on February 11 comes amid the Barbados Labour Party (BLP)‘s historic political dominance. Led by Prime Minister Mottley, the BLP secured unprecedented 30-0 landslide victories in the 2018 and 2022 general elections 2026, leaving the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) without parliamentary representation.
Seeking a Third consecutive term, Prime Minister Mottley emphasized the need for a New mandate from the electorate. This justification was cited for triggering the Snap election ahead of the constitutional deadline, signaling the administration’s confidence.
Political analyst Peter Wickham stated that the timing of the Early general election was predictable, given the fragmented state of the Opposition party. Speculation regarding the Election date intensified following signals from the Prime Minister in December 2025.
The DLP is currently led by King Counsel Ralph Thorne, who prepares to contest all 30 seats against the powerful BLP machinery. Mr. Thorne assumed leadership in February 2024, shortly after departing the ruling BLP government.
The BLP has actively finalized its slate of BLP candidates. Recent nominations included filling spots in the key St Thomas constituency and St Joseph constituency, replacing long-serving Members of Parliament.
Notably, former DLP Cabinet minister Michael Lashley was recently nominated as the BLP candidate for the City of Bridgetown after joining the party last year. This move completes the BLP’s full roster of candidates ahead of Nomination Day and the subsequent Polling day on February 11.
The call for an early general election, announced by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, sets the stage for the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to seek an unprecedented third consecutive term. This snap election follows the BLP’s historic 30-0 landslide victories in both the 2018 and 2022 general elections, leaving the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) without parliamentary representation.
The timing of the general elections 2026 confirms the BLP’s strategic move well ahead of the constitutional deadline. Electoral behavior expert Peter Wickham stated the early general election call was predictable, reflecting the BLP’s strong political position and low chances for opposition success.
Prime Minister Mottley advised the President that the premature dissolution of Parliament would officially occur on January 19, 2026. The legal time limit for polling dictates a swift process, with election writs expected to be issued following approval by the Attorney General, Dale Marshall.
The official election date timeline requires rapid mobilization by all political parties. Nomination Day is set for January 27, where all BLP candidates and Opposition party representatives must finalize their registration. This commences the short campaign period leading directly up to polling day on February 11.
The Democratic Labour Party (DLP), led by Ralph Thorne, faces the immense challenge of regaining a foothold in the legislature. The DLP seeks to secure representation to ensure parliamentary checks and balances against the ruling Barbados Labour Party. Key BLP figures, including Jeffrey Bostic, are defending their seats in constituencies like St Thomas and St Joseph.
Regional media outlets, including the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), The Gleaner, and CNC3 Television, are preparing extensive coverage of the campaign across Bridgetown. Voter engagement and campaign tone are expected to intensify quickly as the country prepares for the Barbados general election on February 11.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley officially declared the dates for the Barbados general election during the BLP public meeting in Bridgetown. The announcement specified February 11 as the official polling day for the snap election.
This early general election requires a swift constitutional process. Prime Minister Mottley advised the President that the premature dissolution of Parliament would officially occur on January 19. Election writs are scheduled for issuance shortly thereafter, following approval by Attorney General Dale Marshall.
Nomination Day for all Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidates and members of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and other political parties is set for January 27. This date commences the formal campaign period leading up to the national voting process on February 11.
The strategic call for an early general election allows the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to seek an unprecedented third consecutive term in the general elections 2026. This follows the BLP’s historic 30-0 landslide victories in both the 2018 and 2022 general elections, severely weakening the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and the Opposition party structure.
The political landscape has seen significant shifts, including the political maneuvering involving figures such as Ralph Thorne. Electoral behavior expert Peter Wickham, speaking to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), stated the snap election call was highly predictable, given Prime Minister Mottley’s December 2025 hints regarding an early vote. Mr. Wickham assessed the current environment as unfavorable for the Opposition party to secure a significant win against the BLP’s expected new mandate.
Campaign activities are being heavily promoted by BLP candidates across digital platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Reports from regional media outlets such as The Gleaner and CNC3 Television highlight the intensified campaigning in contested areas like the St Thomas constituency and the St Joseph constituency ahead of polling day.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley is seeking a new mandate less than halfway through her term. She argued that in a robust democracy, leaders must return to the people for approval to continue their critical work.
This early general election call allows the Prime Minister to capitalize on the current political strength of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). The move aims to secure a third consecutive term for the BLP.
Electoral behavior expert Peter Wickham stated the election call was predictable given the political climate. He noted the low chances for the Opposition party to succeed against the ruling BLP.
The BLP, led by Mia Mottley, has secured overwhelming victories in the two preceding general elections, held in 2018 and 2022. In both instances, the party won all 30 seats, achieving historic 30-0 landslide victories over the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).
The main opposition party, the DLP, is currently led by King Counsel Ralph Thorne. Mr. Thorne assumed leadership in early 2024 after crossing the floor from the ruling Barbados Labour Party, where he previously represented the St Thomas constituency.
The DLP seeks to regain representation in Parliament, having been shut out in the two previous election cycles. The general elections 2026 mark a critical effort for the DLP to re-establish itself in the legislative body.
The official polling day for the snap election is February 11, following the Prime Minister’s announcement in Bridgetown.
Nomination Day for the Barbados general election is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026. This is the date when all prospective BLP candidates, those from the Democratic Labour Party, and independent candidates must officially register their intent to contest the available seats.
The constitutional process requires swift legal action. Prime Minister Mottley advised President Jeffrey Bostic that the premature dissolution of Parliament would officially occur on January 19.
The Attorney General, Dale Marshall, plays a crucial role in the legal process by ensuring election writs are properly drafted and approved. These writs are issued to President Bostic, legally authorizing the entire national voting process leading up to polling day.
