ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (December 31, 2023)—Incumbent candidate for the St Peter constituency Asot Michael has vowed to take his legal challenge to the highest court following the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s (ABLP) official nomination of candidate Rawdon Turner on December 28, 2022.
Michael was sidelined for the governing ABLP’s nomination after failing to meet the party’s suitability requirements—a decision that he contends is contrary to a primary as prescribed by the party’s constitution. It was yet another move from the Gaston Browne-led administration to distance itself from the former minster, following a series of high-profile scandals which led to the St Peter MP being stripped of his cabinet portfolios. Michael has denied wrongdoing in the accusations leveled against him and took the party to court. In April, a High Court judge ruled that Rawdon Turner’s nomination contravened the ABLP constitution.
King’s Counsel E. Ann Henry told Dadli Media Pop Up that Michael and his campaign team could choose to file an election petition before or after the January 18, 2023 poll date. She added that Michael’s legal team could make arguments based on their interpretation of the April court order.
“The order here specifically said the defendants are restrained from holding out, directly or indirectly, anyone who is not selected in accordance with the provisions of the (ABLP) constitution,” Henry said.
“Is nomination a direct or indirect holding out of a person to represent the constituency? Arguably it could be,” Henry said. However, she was quick to add that it was not a clear-cut matter. “It is a matter which has to go to court, and the court will then have to interpret the order,” she said. Another consideration is the fact that at the time of the ruling, the date for elections was not yet called, and the nomination process had not yet begun. These factors were not specifically addressed in the order.
Though Michael vowed to take his case as far as the Privy Council, the terminal court for election petitions is the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. He held firm to his view that Turner’s nomination was tantamount to contempt of court and added that as ABLP leader Browne “totally disrespected” the April judgment.
“They did not adhere to the provisions of the revised constitution of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. They did not hold a primary that the constitution of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party called for.
“It’s not Gaston Browne’s right to say who must run. It’s the people of St. Peter’s right,” Michael said.
Despite recent overtures from Michael for forgiveness and healing, his relationship with the party, and in particular the political leader, has yet to thaw. Despite the tension, he is adamant that he is still an ABLP member.
“I’ll reconcile with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, but it would be a difficult task to reconcile with Gaston Browne unless Gaston Browne will change his ways and remember the poor people of this country and not his personal family,” Michael said.
Browne has repeatedly gone on the record about the finality of the parting of ways with his former comrade.
Meanwhile, Michael continues to step up his campaign in the sprawling St Peter constituency, which includes communities like Parham, Paynters, Pares, Fitches Creek and sections of Lightfoot. From knocking on doors, to distribution of hams, turkeys and toys for Christmas, Michael insists that has a strong bond with his constituents.
“It’s not about a ham or a turkey or a Christmas toy; it’s about a representative caring about the people. Somebody who represents them not just in parliament, but outside of parliament and really looking after their interests,” Michael told Dadli Media Pop Up while out on the hustings in Parham.
Besides Turner, Michael faces challenges for the seat from two other candidates who are eager to win over the nearly 4,500 electors in the constituency. Parham native and popular footballer Tevaughn “Peter Redz” Harriette is the standard-bearer for the United Progressive Party while Chaniel Imhoff is running on the Democratic National Alliance ticket.
If elected, not only would it be his fifth term representing the constituents of St Peter, but it would also make him the first independent candidate elected.
