Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda |
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Coat of arms of Antigua and Barbuda
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| Style |
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| Member of | Cabinet, National Security Council |
| Appointer | Governor-General
Prime minister must have support of the majority of members of the House of Representatives
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| Term length | Five years
renewable
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| Formation | 1 November 1981 |
| First holder | Vere Bird |
| Deputy | Deputy Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda |
| Salary | 150,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars/US$ 55,555 annually |
| Website | https://opm.gov.ag/ |
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The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda is the head of government for the country. This means they are the main leader of the government. The Governor-General chooses the prime minister. This choice follows the rules set out in the country's Constitution.
The prime minister leads the executive branch of the government. This branch is responsible for carrying out the laws. The prime minister is usually the leader of the political party that has the most members in the House of Representatives.
Contents
How a Prime Minister is Chosen
Becoming Prime Minister
The Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda explains how a prime minister is chosen. The person must be a member of the House of Representatives. They also need to be the leader of the political party that has the most support. This means their party has the most members in the House.
If no party has a clear leader, or if no party has a majority, the Governor-General decides. They will choose the member who they believe can get the most support. This person must also be willing to take on the role of prime minister.
When Parliament is Not Meeting
Sometimes, a prime minister needs to be chosen when Parliament is not meeting. This happens when Parliament has been dissolved. In this case, someone who was a member of the House before it closed can be chosen.
What the Prime Minister Does
Leading the Cabinet
The prime minister has many important jobs. One key role is advising the Governor-General. This advice is about who should be chosen for the Cabinet. The Cabinet is a group of top government officials.
The prime minister is also the only one who can call a Cabinet meeting. If the prime minister is away, another minister they choose can call the meeting.
Acting Prime Minister
If the prime minister is out of the country or sick, someone else can step in. The Governor-General can allow another member of the Cabinet to act as prime minister. This person performs the prime minister's duties until the prime minister returns or recovers.
Votes of No Confidence
The prime minister must have the support of the House of Representatives. If the House votes that they no longer have confidence in the prime minister, things change. This is called a "vote of no confidence." If this vote passes, the Governor-General must remove the prime minister. They might also dissolve Parliament and call for new elections.
List of Prime Ministers
Below is a timeline showing the lifespans and terms of office for the prime ministers. They are listed in the order they first held office.
See Also
In Spanish: Primer ministro de Antigua y Barbuda para niños
- Politics of Antigua and Barbuda
- Prime Minister of the West Indies Federation
- Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda
