Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he expects the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) to secure a decisive victory in the St. Philip’s North by-election scheduled for March 16 in Antigua and Barbuda.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne show on Pointe FM, Browne said early indications from campaigning in the constituency suggest the party’s candidate, Randy Baltimore, could receive around 70 percent of the vote.

“From all indications what we have seen on the ground is going to be an extremely big win,” Browne said, adding that he would be surprised if the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party received less than that level of support.

Browne praised Baltimore and his campaign team, saying they have been canvassing across the constituency for months and engaging residents throughout the district.

“They would have traversed the entire constituency, gone door to door and gotten commitments,” he said.

The by-election in Antigua and Barbuda was triggered by the retirement of long-serving Member of Parliament Sir Robin Yearwood, who represented St. Philip’s North for decades.

Browne credited Yearwood with helping shape development in the constituency, including land distribution that allowed many families to build homes and improve their economic circumstances.

He said the area today reflects strong investment by residents, describing St. Philip’s North as a community where many homeowners have focused on expanding and maintaining their properties.

The prime minister also noted that the government of Antigua and Barbuda is continuing infrastructure work in the constituency, including the installation of a new water main intended to improve water service to both St. Philip’s North and St. Philip’s South.