The eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal has concluded its hearing of an appeal that could determine the future of the Antigua government of Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer. Spencer has said he will abide by the court's decision and has slammed the opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) for engaging in rhetoric and actions which he said are not in the best interest of the country.
Spencer told the nation Sunday the decision of the Court of Appeal in this matter is final, adding that both the government and the United Progressive Party (UPP), which he leads, will abide by that decision.
"Neither the government nor the UPP will engage in any action or rhetoric that is not in the best interest or our country...I am confident that the vast majority of Antiguans and Barbudans, who are decent, hardworking and law-abiding people would not allow that to happen," the Prime Minister said.
The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has been reviewing a decision of High Court judge, Louise Blenman, that rendered as invalid the election of the Prime Minister Tourism Minister John Maginley and Education Minister Jacqui Quinn-Leandro due to polling day irregularities in the March 12, 2009 general election.
The government was granted a stay to maintain the status quo until the Court of Appeal completed its review of the case.
If Justice Blenman’s decision is upheld, the the governing party will lose its majority, with only six seats in Parliament. The opposition ALP would have seven and the government-aligned Barbuda People’s Movement will have one seat, creating a potential tie.
Experts say if this happene it would mean the government would either have to hold three by-elections or call a fresh general election.
Spencer said until a decision is announced his government "continues to carry out the mandate given to us by you the people of Antigua and Barbuda."
He reiterated that his government is committed to democratic principles, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
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