By Belize Live News Staff: UDP standard-bearer Tracy Panton has issued a scathing critique of her party’s failure to field candidates in four constituencies during Nomination Day, calling it a failure of leadership that deprives voters of their democratic choice.
Panton’s remarks follow the shocking revelation that the UDP did not nominate candidates in Fort George, Pickstock, Dangriga, and Toledo East, effectively forfeiting those seats to the PUP uncontested.
For Panton, the last-minute withdrawal of UDP candidates raises serious questions about internal party unity and decision-making. “They certainly did not discuss it with me, and I would have never encouraged that,” she stated, emphasizing that candidates had months to step down if they no longer wished to run.
While Panton’s faction adhered to UDP’s internal procedures regarding candidate selection, she criticized party leader Shyne Barrow’s role in the debacle.
“Yesterday, I listened to the former party leader suggest that he was not aware that they were so unhappy they would take such action on nomination day. Something is wrong with that,” Panton remarked, taking a direct jab at Barrow’s handling of party affairs.
The UDP’s failure to contest these constituencies further solidifies concerns about the party’s readiness for the upcoming general elections. With internal rifts already visible, Panton’s comments highlight the growing frustration within the UDP, which is struggling to maintain a united front.
With elections just weeks away, the UDP faces a tough road ahead, as its internal struggles risk further diminishing its ability to challenge the PUP’s stronghold. The question remains—can the party recover in time, or has it already handed victory to its opponents?
