Polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. today as voters in St. Philip’s North go to the polls to elect a new Member of Parliament following weeks of campaigning by the two major political parties. Voting in the by-election is scheduled to continue until 6:00 p.m. , after which ballots will be counted to determine who will succeed longtime representative Sir Robin Yearwood.
The contest was triggered after Sir Robin Yearwood resigned on Feb. 18, 2026 , the same day Parliament marked his 50 years of continuous service representing the constituency. His departure ended one of the longest parliamentary careers in the Caribbean and left the St. Philip’s North seat vacant, requiring a by-election to be held within the constitutional timeframe.
Two candidates are competing for the seat: Randy Baltimore of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and Alex Browne of the United Progressive Party (UPP). Browne stepped down from his position as an opposition Senator in February to contest the seat, while Baltimore resigned from his government job ahead of nomination day to run as the governing party’s candidate.
Both candidates spent the campaign outlining their plans for the constituency. Baltimore promoted a three-pillar development agenda centred on environmental stewardship, youth empowerment and stronger community partnerships, arguing that his approach would build on development while protecting the constituency’s natural and agricultural resources. Meanwhile, Browne campaigned on promises of change, criticising the long-standing representation of the area by the governing party and pledging to bring new investment and attention to communities across St. Philip’s North.
The race intensified after nomination day on Feb. 25 , when both candidates formally entered the contest at the nomination centre in Willikies, drawing supporters from both parties and setting the stage for a closely watched political battle.
The outcome of today’s vote will determine who represents St. Philip’s North in the House of Representatives , with results expected later tonight once counting is completed and the official declaration is made.
Timeline of Key Events
Feb. 18, 2026: Sir Robin Yearwood resigns after 50 years as MP for St. Philip’s North.
Feb. 19, 2026: Writ of election issued and March 16 set as polling day.
Feb. 18–20, 2026: UPP candidate Alex Browne resigns from the Senate to contest the seat.
Late February 2026: ABLP candidate Randy Baltimore resigns from his government position before nomination day amid eligibility questions.
March 16, 2026: Polling opens at 6 a.m. in the St. Philip’s North by-election.