Joanne Massiah has publicly thrown her support behind Lamin Newton, urging voters to back the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party candidate in the upcoming general election.

Massiah, leader of the Democratic National Alliance, made the appeal during a meet-and-greet event on Monday night, where she was seen encouraging constituents to support Newton.

The move is notable given Massiah’s long-standing criticism of the ABLP and her party’s positioning as an alternative to both major political groups since its formation in 2017 following her departure from the UPP.

Eyewitnesses said she openly endorsed Newton at the event, calling on voters in All Saints East and St Luke to support his candidacy in what is expected to be a closely watched contest.