By Belize Live News: United Democratic Party (UDP) Chairman Michael Peyrefitte has formally dismissed a petition initiated by Tracy Panton to hold a National Convention aimed at recalling the current Party Leader. The petition, which garnered 173 signatures, was deemed insufficient as it did not meet the required threshold of 176 1/3 signatures necessary to initiate such a process.
In a detailed response, Peyrefitte highlighted that beyond the inadequate number of signatures, Panton’s recent actions have rendered her ineligible to file the petition. He pointed to what he described as unconstitutional behavior, including Panton’s public criticism of party officials and the creation of a new political entity, the “Alliance for Democracy.” According to Peyrefitte, these actions effectively mean that Panton has resigned from the UDP, stripping her of any standing within the party to submit a recall petition.
Peyrefitte underscored that the National Convention on August 13, 2023, had decisively resolved that the current Party Leader would remain in position until after the upcoming General Elections. This decision, which was supported unanimously, suspended all constitutional provisions related to leadership challenges. Peyrefitte emphasized that this resolution was aimed at preventing the kind of internal conflicts currently being stoked by Panton and her supporters.
“The authority granted to me as Chair of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) to call a National Convention is reserved for genuine emergencies,” Peyrefitte asserted, “and no such emergency has arisen since the unanimous decision of the National Convention on August 13, 2023.”
The letter also referenced a resolution passed by the National Party Council (NPC) on April 7, 2024, which reiterated its support for Party Leader Hon. Dr. Shyne Barrow and the current Leadership Executive, reaffirming their leadership until after the next General Elections. The NPC clearly stated it would not entertain any attempts to overturn the decision made by the National Convention.
Peyrefitte concluded his letter by noting that while the UDP Constitution may not be relevant to Panton following her departure to form the Alliance for Democracy, his response was issued in the interest of maintaining transparency and public record.
