2025, it's the year of election - and though we don't know precisely when - we're down to an 11 month window. For the two factions of the splintered UDP, that means making the tough decision on whether to each field 31 candidates - and Likely assure that candidates from both factions face the risk of a wipeout.
Well, Tracy Panton's UDP held a major strategy meeting today at Patrick Faber's Office in Belize City to discuss the way forward for them. Reports say the meeting finished just before news time, and we hope to have some information on it for you before the end of the news.
But, what we can tell you is that - even at this stage - compromise with the Shyne Barrow faction appears unlikely. 7News has learned that recently at least one key campaign contributor reached out to Panton to propose two possible compromises: the first, a coalition in the constituencies of Albert, Collett, Queens Square and Cayo North. In that case, Shyne Barrow's side would retain the name UDP. That was rejected.
There was also a proposal for Panton to recognize Barrow as leader - and Barrow would then permit Albert, Collet, Queens Square and Cayo North candidates who have all pledged to Panton - to run as UDP under Barrow's leadership. That was also rejected.
So, tonight - staring down the barrel of 2025 -the standoff remains and we'll hope to have some news on what came out of Panton's meeting which started after 2:00.
UPDATE
Earlier in the news we told you about the meeting that Tracy Panton's UDP held this afternoon into evening.
It lasted for approximately 4 hours and as it was winding down, Panton spoke to us about their plans for this year's general elections. And no, they don't include forming a third party or a coalition. She and the 17 other members loyal to her plan to run under the UDP banner, and under her leadership.
But prior to the elections - which rumors heavily suggest are about 2 months away - Panton plans to legally address what she refers to as the arbitrary removal of some standard bearers. She also added that the alliance hasn't necessarily rejected any proposals, but when they go back to court, they are open to mediation.
Tracy Panton, Albert Area Rep.
"If we listen to all the rumor, the election will be called sooner rather than later. And so it's important for us to make sure that the constituencies that are part of our movement are battle ready for the next general elections."
"And part of the meeting today was to talk about our plans to visit with these constituencies, visit with the executive committees and the campaign committees to ensure that we have our boots on the ground as soon as possible."
Reporter
"I assume that when the time comes for nominations or whatnot, you all plan to be nominated under the UDP banner."
Tracy Panton, Albert Area Rep.
"That is correct. We are members of the United Democratic Party. We continue to maintain that. Nothing has been determined to say that we are not members of the United Democratic Party. As far as we are concerned, there are standard bearers who are being arbitrarily removed and replaced and we will seek to take that matter to court with some urgency."
"There are 18 members of the Alliance, a part of the movement within the UDP. And we intend to run as members of the United Democratic Party. It is my understanding that the former party leader, Shyne Barrow seeks to put in 31 candidates in 31 constituencies that excludes the 18, but he won't, that won't be a walk in the park for him."
"We are going to seek legal redress on that matter because it is improper, it is illegal, it is unacceptable, it is unconstitutional. We have 31 constituencies under the United Democratic Party. 18 of those constituencies, are part of the movement within the party and the other 13 are not."
"And so we intend to take up that matter legally if we need to. I don't know that we have rejected any proposals. We have agreed to go to mediation. It was encouraged by the judge. While the judge fell short of making an order for us to go to mediation, he strongly encouraged it."
"Our legal advisor also encouraged it. And we will be indicating to the court prior to January 6, which is our deadline, that we intend to go to mediation, a court-facilitated mediation. And at that time, I think these proposals can be placed on the table."
Panton added that she hopes that Shyne Barrow will ultimately take the high road. Barrow has said he will speak to the media next week.
