UPP Data Warned of Election Defeat, Former Advisor Claims

UPP faced internal warnings about election defeat, according to a former advisor. He said leadership ignored clear polling data.

Dr McChesney Emanuel, a former diplomat, served as an advisor to Jamale Pringle. He said the party received early warning signs. However, leadership did not act on them.

He pointed to a poll conducted by Jamaican pollster Don Anderson. Emanuel described Anderson as highly respected. The results showed weak party support ahead of election day.

Meanwhile, the data showed a large gap in popularity. The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party led by a wide margin. In contrast, UPP support lagged significantly.

In addition, respondents raised concerns about inflation and infrastructure. However, leadership and experience stood out most in the findings. Those issues hurt the opposition’s standing.

Emanuel said ratings for leadership were very poor. He cited figures of 80% and 75% negative responses. These results signaled deep voter concern.

He also compared the two opposition figures. Harold Lovell led Jamale Pringle by four points. The score stood at 31 to 27.

Because of these findings, Emanuel raised concerns with Pringle. He warned that the party faced serious risks. He also suggested a leadership change.

Specifically, he advised Pringle to step aside. He proposed that Harold Lovell lead instead. He believed this could improve the party’s performance.

However, Pringle rejected the suggestion. Party supporters also opposed the idea. As a result, no leadership change took place.

Following that decision, Emanuel resigned from key positions. He left both the general council and central executive. Still, he said he remained a party member.

Furthermore, he linked defeat to internal divisions. He referred to a split at a party convention two years earlier. That split involved supporters of Pringle and Richard Lewis.

He said the party never resolved those tensions. Therefore, unity weakened over time. This affected election readiness.

Finally, election results confirmed a strong outcome for the ruling party. The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party won 15 seats. Meanwhile, the UPP and BPM each secured one seat.

Overall, Emanuel said ignored data and internal conflict shaped the outcome.