Randy Baltimore was formally nominated Wednesday as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate for the St. Philip’s North by-election, while United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate Alex Browne was expected to complete his nomination later in the day.

Nomination Day activities took place at the Willikies Primary School, where both candidates arrived at the centre surrounded by supporters in what quickly became a show of political strength ahead of the March 16 poll.

Baltimore, a former senior customs officer selected by the ABLP as successor to longtime parliamentary representative Sir Robin Yearwood, was accompanied by party officials and constituents as he filed his nomination papers.

Browne, the UPP’s standard bearer for the constituency, also arrived at the nomination centre backed by party supporters, signaling what is expected to be a closely watched contest in the eastern corridor.

The by-election was triggered following the retirement of Yearwood, who served 50 consecutive years in Parliament.

Under Electoral Commission guidelines, candidates must submit nomination papers signed by a proposer, seconder and eight additional electors registered in the constituency, and deposit a $500 EC fee in order to qualify.

Polling Day has been set for March 16.