ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The political landscape in St. Philip’s North has been formally defined as two prominent candidates secured their nominations for the upcoming March 16 by-election. The United Progressive Party (UPP) officially nominated Alex Browne on Wednesday, setting the stage for a direct contest against Randy Baltimore, the standard-bearer for the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).
The nomination proceedings, administered by the Electoral Commission at Willikies Primary School, transformed into vibrant displays of political allegiance. Both contenders arrived at the nomination center accompanied by fervent supporters, creating a charged atmosphere that underscored the constituency’s electoral significance.
Browne successfully filed his candidacy documents in accordance with electoral regulations, followed by an official declaration of his nomination status. His opponent, Baltimore, brings a substantial background in public service as a former senior customs official. Baltimore’s nomination carries historical weight as he was selected to succeed Sir Robin Yearwood, the constituency’s parliamentary representative for an unprecedented five-decade tenure.
The nomination process required each candidate to present formal papers endorsed by a proposer, a seconder, and eight registered electors from the constituency, accompanied by a $500 Eastern Caribbean dollar deposit. This electoral exercise was necessitated by Yearwood’s retirement after half a century of legislative service, creating a rare vacancy in the Antiguan political sphere.
With the nomination phase concluded, both parties now enter the final stretch of campaigning before voters cast their ballots on March 16 in what political analysts anticipate will be a closely watched contest.