By Belize Live News Staff: The Elections and Boundaries Commission has ruled that all 41 United Democratic Party (UDP) candidates—whether aligned with Moses “Shyne” Barrow or Tracy Panton—will be listed under the party’s signature red on the March 12 general election ballot.
The decision comes as the UDP remains embroiled in a leadership dispute that the High Court is not expected to resolve until after March 31, well beyond election day. With no clear ruling on who leads the party, both Barrow and Panton have pushed their own slates of candidates, creating a rare scenario where multiple UDP candidates are competing in the same constituencies.
Sample ballots have been distributed, giving voters a first look at what could become a confusing situation at the polls. In Port Loyola, for example, voters will see more than one UDP candidate listed under the same red block, with no indication of which faction they represent.
The lack of distinction could split votes within the UDP and further complicate the party’s chances of regaining power. Political analysts suggest that the infighting and the inability to resolve the leadership crisis ahead of the election could weaken voter confidence and hand an advantage to the ruling People’s United Party (PUP).
With just two weeks until Belizeans head to the polls, the UDP’s internal rift remains a major talking point, leaving voters to navigate an unprecedented electoral battle where party color alone does not indicate allegiance.
