
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has successfully reclaimed a seat it lost during the previous general elections.
In a by-election held on Tuesday, Rawdon Turner of the ABLP secured his position with 1,672 votes, outperforming George Wehner from the United Progressive Party, who garnered 570 votes, alongside 31 rejected ballots from a total of 2,273 votes cast.
This seat was previously held by Asot Michael, who tragically passed away recently. Michael had run as an independent candidate after parting ways with the ABLP.
In his victory speech, Turner said his campaign was primarily based on the truth and ”recognized that there are several pressing issues in the constituency that need addressing.”
Turner attributed much of his success to the groundwork he laid prior to the by-election announcement. “I made promises to the people leading up to the 2023 general elections, and even though I didn’t succeed then, I remained committed to serving them.”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne voiced strong confidence in Turner’s abilities.
Browne also underlined that Turner had demonstrated a concrete plan for the constituency, which resonated with the voters.
ABLP Chairman E.P. Chet Greene lauded Turner’s victory as a reflection of the people’s enduring trust and support.
Greene stressed the importance of infrastructure development within the community and expressed confidence in Turner’s capabilities as a MP, Minister, and ambassador for the constituency.
He also mentioned the historical significance of the area as a longstanding Labour stronghold, describing the election results as a “reconfirmation” and a “return of St. Peter to the ABLP’s fold.”
The voter turnout was reported as “relatively smooth” by Electoral Commission Chairman Arthur Thomas, with approximately 47.73 percent of the 4,762 registered voters casting their ballots at polling stations, including Parham Primary School, Pares Primary School, and the Precision Centre.
Labour party all the way,victory,victory,victory,Antiguans are not as blind and idiotic like those blue do nothing acolytes in Dominica.The people have spoken in Antigua as they ALWAYS do in Dominica.Free and Fair reflecting the will of the people.
DNO: What’s the difference between successfully reclaiming the seat and unsuccessfully reclaiming the seat?