Prime Minister Gaston Browne has dismissed all legal challenges brought by the opposition United Progressive Party against St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore, asserting they have no chance of success.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks on his weekly Browne and Browne radio programme, where he addressed ongoing court action surrounding Baltimore's election and swearing-in. "Those cases will fail," he said bluntly.
The prime minister characterised the opposition's initial injunction as misguided, describing the challenge as reflecting "delusion" and lacking legal merit. He argued that Baltimore had complied fully with the law, pointing out that the former public officer resigned prior to the issuance of the writ of election.
"Baltimore resigned before the writ was issued and was fully compliant with the law," Browne said.
Browne also contended that the UPP was itself aware that its bid to block Baltimore's swearing-in would not prevail. "They knew they would lose that challenge," he added.
A separate lawsuit questioning Baltimore's nomination was also raised during the discussion. Browne maintained that this action, like the others, would ultimately fail. He additionally rejected the argument that Baltimore was required to provide three months' notice before resigning from the public service, dismissing the claim as unfounded.
The legal challenges follow Baltimore's decisive victory in the March 16 by-election and form part of broader political tensions between the two major parties as Antigua and Barbuda moves closer to a general election.
