Former United Progressive Party (UPP) political leader Harold Lovell is urging the party to avoid internal blame and instead focus on reflection following its performance in the St. Philip’s North by-election.

Speaking after Monday’s poll, Lovell said the result highlights a shift in voter support that must be carefully examined.

“Obviously, the by-election represents a decline in voter support for the United Progressive Party over the past three years,” Lovell said.

He said the party must take a measured approach to understanding the outcome rather than engaging in internal divisions.

“We have to look at that very carefully… what happened between 2023 and 2026,” Lovell said, adding that the party must “avoid finger-pointing” and instead focus on correcting its shortcomings.

Lovell also pointed to what he described as a surge in pre-election activity by the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), suggesting that development work in the constituency was accelerated ahead of the vote.

“They did more work in the last five months than they have done… in the last 50 years,” he said.

He raised concerns about the quality and sustainability of such projects, warning that similar efforts in other constituencies have left residents dealing with incomplete infrastructure.

“You have roads that are half finished… sidewalks built and the roads have not been put in, so homeowners cannot access their homes,” Lovell said.

He argued that development should follow a structured and transparent plan rather than being rushed ahead of elections.

“If there’s a road plan, let’s see the road plan… and roll it out in a systematic way,” he said.

Looking ahead, Lovell said the party must prioritise sustained engagement with constituents.

“There can be no substitute for continuous, relentless, steady community engagement in every constituency,” he said.

The St. Philip’s North by-election was held on March 16.