By Aabigayle McIntosh

The United Progressive Party’s Kelvin Shugy Simon expressed his feelings of being “vindicated” and “grateful” after securing his second election victory in a short period.

In the recent by-election held on Tuesday, he achieved a decisive win over his opponents – Dwayne George of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and Andrew Antonio of the Democratic National Alliance.

Simon received 1,060 votes, which was significantly more than the 891 votes received by George.

Earlier, Simon had defeated Samantha Marshall, the ABLP’s candidate, in the January 18 general elections.

Andrew Antonio secured only 8 votes, which was not enough to pose a significant challenge in the election.”

“It’s a proud moment for the people of St Mary’s South, we defended that decision that we made in January. Gaston Browne this was not a fluke, you spent millions but you still cannot conquer St Mary’s South,” Simon said.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle said he is grateful to the constituents for making the right decision.

“I want to congratulate the Honorable Kelvin Simon once again the Parliamentary Representative for the St Mary’s South Constituency. I want Gaston Browne to put that in his pipe and smoke it,” Pringle said.

Meanwhile, Elections Supervisor Ian Hughes said the entire process, from the voting to the counting of the ballots, ran smoothly.

He also had commendations for his staff at the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC), the Police, the Election Day Workers, and members of the media for doing a stellar job.

“Thanks, and kudos to everyone who would have met over the past weeks and months to ensure that everything was in place to facilitate a smooth process,” Hughes said.

Election Observers have also praised the efforts of the ABEC team for what they say was a seamless process.

Ernest Benjamin of the Free and Fair Election League said he was pleased with the proceedings from the opening and closure of the polls.

“Things went very quietly the electorate was very much engaged. In the early hours of the morning, there was brisk voting but that tapered off by midday and it picked up pace toward the closure of the polls. The staff at ABEC ought to be commended,” he said.