Opposition MP’s Waker and Pringle/ Photo by Wayne Mariette

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has delivered a sharp assessment of the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), describing it as disunited, poorly organized and in need of major restructuring following its defeat in last week’s general election.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM on Saturday, Browne said the party must engage in serious introspection and restructuring if it hopes to remain relevant.

“If they fail to reform, then evidently it means that they’re not interested in the people, and the people will reciprocate and keep them in opposition,” he said.

The prime minister’s comments come after the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) secured a decisive victory in the April 30 polls, winning 15 of 17 seats in Parliament.

Browne attributed the opposition’s defeat in part to internal divisions, saying the UPP failed to present itself as a unified organization.

“It is clear that the UPP did not present themselves as a united institution to start,” he said, adding that the lack of cohesion “helped to undermine them to some extent.”

He also criticized the party’s campaign, describing it as ineffective and lacking energy.

“When you look at the campaign, the campaign was totally disjointed. It had little energy… it was lackluster. They had no consistent messaging,” Browne said.

According to Browne, the opposition’s weak ground game and inability to connect with voters contributed to its loss, and he said rebuilding will require more than rhetoric.

He urged the party to attract new talent and develop clearer policies, warning that without structural change it risks remaining on the political sidelines.