The judge in her decision handed down on Tuesday, March 31, 2010 , held that the late opening of some polling stations in St. John's City West, St. George and St. John's Rural North could have affected the outcome of the elections in those constituencies.

The UPP has also sought and received a stay of the judgment pending its appeal.

The stay granted in the High Court means that the Members of Parliament affected by the court ruling will remain in the House of Representatives, and no action will be taken in respect of their vacating their seats until the matter is heard and determined in the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.

The party remains confident that we retain the support of a significant majority of the people in those constituencies and will be victorious in any future elections whether before or at the next general election.

The UPP takes note of the fact that the High Court judge found no evidence of illegal election practices by the UPP or any of its members, supporters or electoral representatives as alleged by the opposition with respect to the conduct of the polls.

The UPP has also noted the implications of the ruling for the Electoral Commission and noted the need for improving its efficiency and capacity.

The handing down of the decision in the High Court is only one step in our judicial process. With the ALP having activated the judicial process with regard to the elections conducted more than one year ago, an unsuccessful litigant has a right to appeal to the Court of Appeal in respect of any decision handed down by the High Court. The UPP is compelled to allow the full course of justice to be utilized in this regard.

The decision of the High Court judge supports the position we have maintained throughout, that having lost the confidence and respect of the people of this country, the ALP is determined to gain power through means other than the ballot box.

Once more, the UPP thanks the people of Antigua and Barbuda for their repeated demonstration of confidence in our party. As a party and a Government, we will never betray the people's trust in us.

It is our view that the majority of well-thinking Antiguans, having spoken in 2009, want to get on with their daily lives rather than being called upon to take part in unnecessary elections one year later.

It is unfortunate that the Opposition has failed to accept the will and decisions of the people. In a multiparty democracy, such an acceptance is a prerequisite for political parties which claim to have the people's interest at heart.

The leadership, members and supporters of the UPP remain confident that ultimately true justice will prevail. The party will remain organized, motivated and energized.