Judge throws out challenges to election victories

The UPP took a marginal victory in the polls, winning nine of the 17 seats. The ALP won seven, while the other was taken by the UPP-aligned Barbuda People’s Movement. (File photo)

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, July 1, 2009 – The ruling United Progressive Party (UPP) has come out on top in an Antigua Labour Party (ALP) challenge to two of its election victories, but the Opposition also scored a victory when a judge said a case involving four other disputed seats would be heard in September.

Justice Louise Blenman yesterday dismissed the ALP challenges in the All Saints West and St Paul constituencies on the grounds that the court documents had been filed after the deadline required in law.

The four others – St John's Rural West, St John's Rural North and St George and Barbuda – will continue.

The ALP had brought the cases to the court after the March 12th elections was marked by the late opening of polls in some areas.

It argued that the excessive delays, in some cases as much as six hours after the scheduled 6 am start, along with other irregularities, gave the UPP an advantage. The ALP has therefore turned to the court asking that the results be declared null and void, in an attempt to force by-elections in the affected constituencies.

The UPP took a marginal victory in the polls, winning nine of the 17 seats. The ALP won seven, while the other was taken by the UPP-aligned Barbuda People’s Movement.

The Opposition is hoping it can win its court case and garner enough votes to secure a majority in parliament and topple the Baldwin Spencer administration.