Voters in the St. Philip North constituency commenced casting their ballots promptly at 6 a.m. Monday, marking the beginning of a pivotal by-election to determine a new parliamentary representative. All seven designated polling stations opened without delay, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, ensuring unimpeded access for eligible voters from the early morning hours.
This electoral event was triggered by the resignation of veteran parliamentarian Sir Robin Yearwood, concluding his remarkable five-decade tenure in office. The political contest features two prominent candidates: Randy Baltimore, representing the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, and Alex Browne of the United Progressive Party, who relinquished his Senate position to pursue this constituency seat.
A significant development in this election is the inaugural implementation of transparent ballot boxes throughout Antigua and Barbuda’s electoral process. Election authorities have introduced this innovative measure to enhance procedural transparency and reinforce public confidence in the democratic system. The voting process will continue until evening hours, after which ballot counting will commence to determine the constituency’s new parliamentary representative.