ANTIGUA-POLITICS-Opposition party backs out of by-election
ST JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC - The main opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) Wednesday opted out of the March 27 by-election to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Agriculture Minister Charlesworth Samuel earlier this year.

But two smaller political parties have said they would nominate candidates for the poll.

Opposition Senator and airline executive Osbert Frederick was originally slated to contest the All Saints East and St Luke constituency on behalf of the ALP, but he said the party had changed its position regarding the by-election.

"I would not be nominated. The organisation, the Antigua Labour Party, has made a decision that they will not contest the by election and I am part of a team...so I accept their decision."

ALP Chairman, Gaston Browne told a news conference last week that the party would be weighing its option regarding the by-election.

"When we look at the cost/benefit analysis, it is difficult for us to expend our resources winning a seat that we consider a sideshow, in that ultimately it will not help us win the government. We'll just have an additional member of parliament," Browne said.

The ruling United Progressive Party (UPP) has nominated trade unionist Chester Hughes while the Organisation for National Development (OND) has named its deputy chairman, attorney Ralph Francis to contest the elections.

The newly formed Progressive Youth Movement (PYM) will be represented by its leader, Steve Williams.

All candidates were expected to submit nomination papers on Wednesday.

CMC/08