Pollster Says Lovell Could Win All-Saints West Seat Against Defector Anthony Smith

Political analyst Peter Wickham has expressed optimism regarding Harold Lovell’s chances of securing the All-Saints West seat in the upcoming general elections, constitutionally due in 2028.

This assertion follows the recent announcement from the United Progressive Party (UPP) confirming Lovell’s candidacy against Anthony Smith, the current Agriculture Minister, who has transitioned to the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).

Wickham stated in a response to Antigua.news that Lovell’s prospects appear stronger than during his previous contest for the St John’s City East seat.

“As to whether or not he will win the seat, he has a good chance of winning. Certainly, it’s a more likely outcome than was his scenario when he contested St John’s City West,” he remarked.

The shifting political dynamics could play to Lovell’s advantage, according to Wickham, particularly in the wake of Smith’s unexpected departure from the UPP.

“Certainly, the current MP has defected and will take some support with him, but there may very well be enough residual support there, especially if there is a swing away from the Antigua Labour Party for him to be able to take it,” Wickham said.

However, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the election conditions, stating, “These are all conditionals, these are all ifs, and I don’t know whether those conditions will exist when an election is called. We also don’t know when an election will be called.”
Meanwhile, Wickham expressed his surprise regarding Lovell’s decision to re-enter the political arena.

“I am surprised by his re-entry into politics as I pretty much thought that after being Minister of Finance and leading the UPP unsuccessfully twice, he would have hung up his political boots. It’s interesting that he’s come back, especially considering that UPP is currently undergoing some turmoil and has not settled under the leadership of Jamal Pringle,” he told Antigua.news

In his interview with Shermain Bique-Charles Wickham also suggested that Lovell’s return might indicate an intention to re-engage and possibly reclaim leadership of the UPP in the future.

“He certainly can’t do much worse than Pringle has been doing. There is some idea in my head that this is what his long-term plan is,” he added.

Wickham pointed out that Lovell’s ambitions for leadership within the UPP could lead to internal conflict.

“The bigger issue for me is his expectations in terms of taking over the leadership of the UPP, either now or in the future. I think that will create some turmoil and bloodletting within the organization, which may ultimately benefit the Antigua-Barbuda Labour Party.”

In closing, he reflected on Prime Minister Brown’s reaction to this political landscape, suggesting, “The loss of the seat is a potential challenge the reality is that the amount of confusion it can create in the UPP may serve his (Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s) long-term interests far better.