The United Progressive Party (UPP) has withdrawn its remaining candidates from ABS TV's 'Know Your Candidates' programme, citing concerns over bias and unfair treatment by the show's host.
According to Antigua News Room, the party stated the decision followed "complaints from our candidates and viewers about the bias and combativeness displayed by the programme's host and the negative slant of the news reports following their appearance."
The UPP communicated its withdrawal to the station on Sunday night, ahead of the scheduled Monday morning appearances of candidates Johnathan Joseph and Malaka Parker.
The party had initially agreed last week to participate in the programme. Two of its candidates, Ashworth Azille and Kelvin Simon, had already been interviewed on Friday before the decision to pull out was made.
ABS TV has rejected the allegations of bias and tendentious reporting surrounding the programme.
The station has indicated that incumbent candidates appearing on the programme are required to account for their performance in office, while new candidates are expected to provide a baseline for future reference.
