{"id":269849,"date":"2026-03-16T05:54:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T09:54:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=269849"},"modified":"2026-03-16T05:54:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T09:54:21","slug":"polls-open-in-st-philips-north-by-election-after-weeks-of-campaigning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/polls-open-in-st-philips-north-by-election-after-weeks-of-campaigning\/","title":{"rendered":"Polls Open in St. Philip\u2019s North By-Election After Weeks of Campaigning"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a><\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

Polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. today<\/strong> as voters in St. Philip\u2019s North<\/strong> go to the polls to elect a new Member of Parliament following weeks of campaigning by the two major political parties. Voting in the by-election is scheduled to continue until 6:00 p.m.<\/strong>, after which ballots will be counted to determine who will succeed longtime representative Sir Robin Yearwood<\/strong>. (Antigua News Room<\/a>)<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The contest was triggered after Sir Robin Yearwood resigned on Feb. 18, 2026<\/strong>, the same day Parliament marked his 50 years of continuous service<\/strong> representing the constituency. His departure ended one of the longest parliamentary careers in the Caribbean and left the St. Philip\u2019s North seat vacant, requiring a by-election to be held within the constitutional timeframe. (Antigua News Room<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two candidates are competing for the seat: Randy Baltimore of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP)<\/strong> and Alex Browne of the United Progressive Party (UPP)<\/strong>. Browne stepped down from his position as an opposition Senator<\/strong> in February to contest the seat, while Baltimore resigned from his government job ahead of nomination day to run as the governing party\u2019s candidate. (Wikipedia<\/a>)<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Both candidates spent the campaign outlining their plans for the constituency. Baltimore promoted a three-pillar development agenda<\/strong> centred on environmental stewardship, youth empowerment and stronger community partnerships, arguing that his approach would build on development while protecting the constituency\u2019s natural and agricultural resources. (wicnews.com<\/a>) Meanwhile, Browne campaigned on promises of change, criticising the long-standing representation of the area by the governing party and pledging to bring new investment and attention to communities across St. Philip\u2019s North. (Antigua Observer Newspaper<\/a>)<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The race intensified after nomination day on Feb. 25<\/strong>, when both candidates formally entered the contest at the nomination centre in Willikies, drawing supporters from both parties and setting the stage for a closely watched political battle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outcome of today\u2019s vote will determine who represents St. Philip\u2019s North in the House of Representatives<\/strong>, with results expected later tonight once counting is completed and the official declaration is made.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Timeline of Key Events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n