Former United Progressive Party (UPP) political leader Harold Lovell has ruled out holding a party convention ahead of an expected general election, describing such a move as “very foolish” and politically unwise.

Speaking on Observer Radio’s Connecting with Dave Lester Payne on Tuesday, Lovell said the party’s constitutionally due convention—typically scheduled for April—cannot be considered given the likelihood of elections being called by the end of that month.

“Even to think of a convention at this time would be very foolish,” he said, adding that maintaining the status quo requires “no serious deliberation.”

Lovell, now the UPP’s candidate for All Saints West, also dismissed any suggestion of a leadership challenge, backing Political Leader Jamale Pringle and urging unity within the party.

“The Honourable Jamale Pringle… is the leader of the opposition and the party. We all have a duty now to rally and move forward,” Lovell said.

The decision effectively delays any leadership changes, including expectations that UPP Chair Gisele Isaac would step aside at the convention. Isaac has been at the centre of internal disputes, with several high-profile departures since the 2024 convention linked to tensions within the party.

Lovell downplayed the divisions, arguing they had been “magnified and exaggerated” and were typical of opposition politics. He also pointed to what he described as the governing party’s advantage in managing internal matters through access to state resources.

His position contrasts with the governing Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), which has already scheduled a convention for April 12. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said the event will place the party in a “state of readiness” ahead of the polls, with candidates including Dr Philmore Benjamin and Kendra Beazer expected to be formally confirmed.

Lovell, who returned to frontline politics after the 2023 general election, said he left a three-year contract at the University of Toronto to contest the upcoming vote, acknowledging the personal risk involved.

“These are some of the sacrifices you make,” he said. “I’m in it to win it.”

General elections are constitutionally due by March 2028 but are widely expected within weeks, after the Prime Minister indicated that a vote could be called within 90 days.