Governor General Sir Rodney Williams on Monday defended his decision to appoint United Progressive Party (UPP) Political Leader Jamale Pringle as Leader of the Opposition, saying the move was guided by constitutional provisions, party representation and electoral support.
Speaking during the official ceremony at Government House for the appointment of the Opposition Leader and Opposition Senators, Sir Rodney pointed to Section 79(2) of the Constitution, which outlines how the Governor General should determine who is best positioned to lead the opposition in Parliament.
Following the April 30 general election, only two non-government MPs were elected to the House of Representatives — Jamale Pringle of the UPP and Trevor Walker of the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM).
Sir Rodney explained that the Constitution requires the Governor General to appoint the member “most likely to command the support of the majority of members who do not support the government.” Where no such majority exists, the Constitution allows the appointment of the member commanding the support of the “largest single group” opposing the government.
The Governor General also noted that the Constitution permits consideration of factors including parliamentary seniority and the number of votes received in the election.
“After careful consideration of the constitutional provisions and the circumstances arising from the general election, I have appointed the Honourable Jamale Pringle as the Leader of the Opposition,” Sir Rodney said.
He said the decision reflected the fact that the UPP is “a national political organisation with representation and support across multiple constituencies within Antigua and Barbuda.”
Sir Rodney also pointed to Pringle’s electoral performance, noting that he “received substantially more votes within his constituency than the other opposition member elected to the House.”
“The appointment therefore reflects the constitutional principles relating to support, representation and the wider national democratic framework envisioned within our Constitution,” the Governor General added.
At the same time, Sir Rodney acknowledged BPM leader Trevor Walker for his continued representation of Barbuda and the role the party continues to play in Antigua and Barbuda’s democracy.
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