And while Barrow has retired, many felt Saldivar should have done the same after a disastrous outturn in the 2020 general election where ehe failed to get 30% of the vote in his one time stronghold of Belmopan.
We asked him today if that, or the fact that he has lost three times disqualifies him:
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"I don't think according to this good party leader we have here, you should be even contemplating running again. You have lost 3 times. Not only have you lost 3 times, man you haven't won a box in the last election. The people have spoken and they spoke and say they don't want anything to do with John Saldivar. You got 28% of the vote, eclipse only by Boots Martinez and I think Ramon Witz with a lower outcome. We don't see these gentlemen walking through the door, because they are politically dead and the argument should be made, so are you both technically as a 3-time loser and statistically as an under 30% vote not winning a single box."
John Saldivar, Belmopan Aspirant
"You know Jules, you remind me that I was told those very same things in 1998 when I lost to close to 1500 votes and those people had no price to pay for being wrong about me and obviously you will have no price to pay for being wrong about me also, but we will know in 2025."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Mr. Leader, would you address? You said here in that very same chair, the man lost 3 times, he shouldn't even run, that's what the party constitution says."
Hon. Patrick Faber, UDP Party Leader
"Exactly, the constitution says that he cannot run again, unless and I am sure you heard me that day say, there is some kind of special dispensation from the national party council, which is still going to be applied."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Would you at least concede that saying that one day and then coming here and saying well the party will decide. You are being hypocritical."
Hon. Patrick Faber, UDP Party Leader
"Absolutely not. What I've said and I am sure even when Paul brought back my exact words just now, but you can go back and examine all of this. But even if you can find something personal that I said, those were my personal views."
