The United Progressive Party has officially ratified its 16 candidates for the upcoming April 30th general election, with nomination day confirmed for April 13th. According to Antigua.news, the ratification took place at a General Council meeting held at Freedom Hall on Tuesday night.
Delegates from all constituency branches gathered at the meeting to formally endorse the party's full slate. The atmosphere was described as upbeat, with candidates and supporters appearing energized and confident heading into the campaign.
Four sitting Members of Parliament are among those seeking re-election, joined by a mix of returning Caretakers and first-time standard bearers contesting across all 16 constituencies.
The full slate of ratified candidates is as follows: Jamale Pringle, All Saints East and St. Luke; Harold Lovell, All Saints West; Alex Browne, St. Phillip's North; Sherfield Bowen, St. Phillip's South; Johnathon Joseph, St. Mary's North; Kelvin Simon, St. Mary's South; Ashworth Azille, St. John's Rural East; Richard Lewis, St. John's Rural West; Malaka Parker, St. John's Rural North; Emanuel Peters, St. John's Rural South; Pearl Quinn-Williams, St. John's City East; Alister Thomas, St. John's City West; Adrian Williams, St. John's City South; George Wehner, St. Peter; Franz deFreitas, St. Paul; and Kelton Dalso, St. George.
With its candidates now officially in place, the party turns its focus to the campaign trail. The UPP is set to officially launch its campaign on Sunday, April 12th, in Rural West, under the theme "Ignite." Gospel artiste Bridget Blucher is among those scheduled to perform at the launch event.
Nomination day follows on April 13th, ahead of the April 30th general election poll.
