In just a matter of hours, the nation will finally know who will lead the United Progressive Party into the next general elections, constitutionally due in 2028.

The tension is palpable as leader Jamal Pringle and MP for St. Johns Rural West Richard Lewis go head to head for the top position of the party in what is set to be an intense and nail-biting executive election.

After a five-year lull, the UPP is holding its much-anticipated 12 Delegates Convention today, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Despite the outcome, unity in the UPP is paramount, as Pringle emphasized during the close of the official opening ceremony.

“I wish our party a peaceful, respectful, and successful election day today. Whatever the outcome and vote, let us take to heart the essence of our theme: unity, togetherness, and victory. I love you UPP,” he said

Whether this might be Pringle’s final speech as the leader of the UPP, his delivery focused on the importance of unity and togetherness within the party.

Despite being leadership rivals, Pringle and his contender Lewis shared a moment of camaraderie as they embraced each other.

Notably, Lewis was also seen applauding Pringle’s speech, suggesting that there was a sense of mutual respect and support between the two candidates.

Pringle also had a word of advice for the incoming executive, admonishing them that the task ahead is great.

“They must take up the mantle and shoulder the responsibility of being the solution. Given the dire circumstances in which Antigua and Barbuda now found itself, we as a people must capture the whole essence of the victory that awaits us,” he said

Meanwhile, Pringle said the convention is being held at the right time despite a delay.

‘I believe the delay was a divine intervention meant for our good because the need for the UPP to rescue this country would not have been as obvious then as it is now. The taxes have not yet been imposed. Water had not been suppressed for ten days as yet. The Cabinet had not given itself two secret raises as yet. And so the better time for this convention is definitely now,” he told the gathering.

He said some people were curious, while others had malicious intent, hoping the UPP would hand them an election victory, but “that will not happen.”

“This great institution has shown its resilience time and time again. Like every family, we have been tested, and every time, we have passed the test. Unlike other political party, we are not afraid to call a convention”, he said

He admitted that while the UPP has not always gotten it right, the party continues to stand for righteousness.

Pringle was appointed interim leader after Harold Lovell retired from politics, and both Pringle and Lewis are expected to have a convincing lead in the election.

Harold Lovell, a former minister and parliamentarian, resigned after losing last year’s general election by six votes to Melford Nicholas. Therefore, the next party leader must have a significant margin of victory.

Pringle and Lewis have demonstrated their electoral strength, securing significant victories against their Labour Party opponents.

Pringle first became the opposition leader in parliament in 2018, as he was the only one to win his seat in the general elections.

The odds significantly shifted in favor of the UPP when an additional five opposition members were elected into the House last year.