UPP optimistic that Simon will win St. Mary’s South by-election and make history by winning two polls in one year

With voting in the St. Mary’s South by-election looking to end in just
under an hour, the United Progressive Party (UPP) is optimistic that
its candidate, Kelvin “Shugy” Simon, has done it again – and made
history by being the only person in Antigua and Barbuda to win two
elections in one year.
 
Polling stations in the constituency opened promptly at 6 a.m. on
Tuesday and are expected to close at 6 p.m., following a reportedly
high voter turnout.
 
Speaking with Ava Charles-McKenzie on the Good Morning Sass
show today, October 24, Simon expressed confidence that he will be
returned to Parliament after the votes have been counted.

He said he was pleased with the turnout of his supporters, many of
whom turned up early to vote. After casting their ballots, they
emerged showing their ink-stained fingers and declaring that the
deed was done.

Franz deFreitas, the UPP caretaker for St. John’s City South, reported
that he had been out in St. Mary’s South since Monday, October 23,
assisting with final campaign issues and taking part in an all-night
watch party. He, too, said he was pleased by the turnout and likened
it to that of a General Election.
 
Some 2,700 voters were eligible to cast their ballots at three polling
stations: Division A at the Olivia David Primary School; Division B at
the Johnsons Point Clinic; and Division C at the Urlings Primary
School.
 
DeFreitas says that all three were abuzz with activity after the polls
opened – with Party members in their numbers on the ground to
monitor the situation for the entire day.

Meanwhile, the City South caretaker is describing Monday night’s
watch party as a success, with fellowship and the final combing of
the Register for Elections.