St. John's Rural West Member of Parliament Richard Lewis is calling on voters to evaluate candidates based on individual performance rather than party affiliation, as Antigua and Barbuda moves closer to a general election.
According to Antigua News Room, Lewis made the remarks during an appearance on Observer AM this week, framing the country's electoral structure as one that places direct responsibility on each representative rather than on political parties alone.
"There are 17 different elections. That's our system. And each person has to present his or herself to the electorate in that constituency," Lewis said.
The MP acknowledged the value of party unity while insisting that electoral outcomes are ultimately decided at the constituency level. "Yes, we support each other as a team. We unite going to the electorate, but at the end of the day, everything is localized," he said.
Lewis used his own constituency as an example, urging residents of St. John's Rural West to assess him on his personal track record rather than on broader perceptions of the United Progressive Party. "I am confident that I have represented my people well. I have done the work. I come to them running on my record, a very proud record," he said.
Pointing to his performance over the past three years as the foundation of his re-election campaign, Lewis stressed that his work ethic predates his time in office. "I begin to work from day one. And I'm consistent in what it is that I do," he said.
His comments come as both major political parties face growing scrutiny from voters, with dissatisfaction reported across the political landscape ahead of elections expected within months. Lewis argued that individual accountability carries even greater weight in such an environment.
"I go to them with my record, a performance-based representation. That is what I go to the people to," he said.
The MP also emphasised that genuine representation must be rooted in direct constituent engagement rather than party messaging. "The people know that I'm going to be there. I will continue to work for them," Lewis added.
The remarks signal a campaign approach that prioritises constituency-level performance, as political parties gear up for what is shaping up to be a closely watched general election.
