United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Jamale Pringle has conceded defeat following Thursday's general election, signalling that the party will outline its next steps in the coming days after suffering a crushing national loss.
According to Antigua News Room, Pringle addressed reporters late Thursday night, offering congratulations to the victorious Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. "I want to also take this opportunity to… express congratulations to the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party for a victory," he said, adding, "You will hear from us in a short time."
Results confirmed that the UPP had been reduced to a single seat in Parliament, with Pringle retaining All Saints East and St. Luke as the party's sole victory. Despite the scale of the defeat, Pringle sought to frame the result in a positive light. "The fact is we still maintain the constituency under the column of the United Progressive Party. When you win by one vote or ten votes, you're the winner. There's no second place," he said.
The election delivered a sweeping mandate to the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who secured an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in office.
Pringle used the occasion to express gratitude to supporters, including those based overseas who contributed to the campaign, and called for calm in the aftermath of the results. "We are indeed grateful," he said. "All I say is peace."
Looking ahead, Pringle pledged to continue serving his constituents and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver results. "People have the confidence in me and I will deliver for the people, just as we did in 2018," he said.
The UPP now faces one of its most significant periods of rebuilding in recent memory. Pringle's remarks suggest the party is preparing to regroup and issue a formal response in the days ahead.
