From Herald Wire Services

ST. JOHN'S -- The prime minister said Thursday he would dissolve Parliament next Thursday and call a general election, expressing confidence his party would win despite several corruption scandals and the defection of three members last year.

Prime Minister Lester Bird pledged a fair ballot, saying: ''I acknowledge that it is going to be fairly close in terms of numbers. . . . I'm absolutely confident that the edge is definitely with the Antigua Labor Party.'' Though plagued by a sex scandal and rumors of corruption, the prime minister has never been charged with a crime.

He did not announce an election date.