The Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has managed to slimly hold on to the leadership of the country, after winning nine (9) of the 17 constituency seats on Wednesday night.

The ABLP’s voting margin was cut down by nearly half, losing in some cases to new candidates for the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP).

First time candidates Anthony Smith Jr., Algernon “Serpent” Watts and Kelvin “Shugy” Simon unseated their opponents in All Saints West, St George, and St. Mary’s South respectively.

Barbuda Peoples Movement (BPM) candidate, Trevor Walker retained his seat for a second consecutive term, beating the ABLP’s Knacyntar Nedd by 168 votes.

Meanwhile, an independent candidate has won a constituency seat in Antigua for the first time since the country’s independence.

Asot Michael who once served in the ABLP administration beat three opponents in the St. Peter constituency including ABLP’s Rawdon Turner to claim the St Peter constituency for the 5th consecutive term.

He made history in Antigua by becoming the first independent candidate to win in a general election on the island.

Mr. Michael, who was a stalwart of the ABLP was dismissed from the party for what its executive said was bad behaviour.

There were also a few close calls. Harold Lovell, Leader of the Opposition lost for a third time by a mere six (6) votes. ABLP candidate Melford Nicholas ultimately claimed the St. John’s City East seat even after a recount that was requested by Mr. Lovell.

Ivor Sean Bird who went up against his cousin Maria Browne, although he trailed closely throughout the race, was unable to defeat her to secure a seat for the St. John’s Rural East constituency.

UPP’s Alex Browne put up a fight against veteran Sir Robin Yearwood but in the end lost to the incumbent by 93 votes.

It was also a tight call between ABLP’s Sir Molwyn Joseph and UPP’s Johnathan Joseph who lost to the 40-year politician by 49 votes.

2023 Election Results