In a decisive political contest, Randy Baltimore of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has established an overwhelming advantage in the St. Philip North by-election as electoral officials completed counting four of the seven ballot boxes. Current tallies reveal Baltimore has secured 543 votes, representing a dominant 67.96% of the validated ballots, while his opponent Alex Browne from the United Progressive Party (UPP) trails significantly with 256 votes, accounting for 32.04% of the counted votes.
The electoral process, initiated following the retirement of political veteran Sir Robin Yearwood after nearly fifty years of parliamentary service, has demonstrated consistent momentum for the ABLP candidate. Baltimore’s lead expanded progressively with each box count: he captured 143 votes against Browne’s 86 in the first box, strengthened his position with 156 to 82 in the second, and extended his margin further with 117 votes against Browne’s 33 in the third box tally.
Electoral authorities reported methodical and transparent counting procedures throughout the process. Voting earlier in the day proceeded under calm conditions, characterized by officials as consistently steady though occasionally slow in voter turnout. The remaining uncounted ballots from three boxes will determine the final margin of victory, though Baltimore’s substantial lead appears mathematically insurmountable.
This by-election marks a significant political transition for the St. Philip North constituency, which had been represented by Sir Robin Yearwood for approximately half a century. The outcome solidifies ABLP’s foothold in the region and demonstrates continued voter confidence in the party’s representation.
