50 persons have been accepted by the UDP Nominations Committee to vie as caretakers in conventions across 18 constituencies.
Since we showed you the list on Thursday, a few of the names have been rejected - most notably Elodio Aragon Junior in Orange Walk East and John Saldivar in Belmopan.
And, notably, the list of approved names includes 5 former members of the People's Democratic Movement - which is a minor third party.
Leader of the opposition Tracy Panton complained bitterly about that this weekend in a letter to the party Vice Chairman, Alberto August.
But, then she objects to the whole process - even though senior figures in her faction have subscribed to it by sending in their names. She discussed this apparent contradiction in a phone interview:
Voice of: Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"It's very hard for me to participate in this process and to legitimize this process. I will tell you that there are many of my colleagues who feel very strongly that while the circumstances are not ideal, that they need to fight fire with fire, if you will, that they need to get to stay involved and get involved."
"If not, we have zero chances of trying to get the party back on its right footing. And I respect my colleagues enough to say if that is the position you wish to take, you have the right to do so. A colleague of mine said, you can take the position you have taken because you are on the inside."
"You are the leader of the opposition and you have won your seat, and so you can take a principle position. But for those of us who have given our blood, sweat and tears for this party, who have worked over years to contribute to the party's well-being, we are on the outside, and the only way we can be beneficial to each process is by making sure we stay on the inside and be part of the dialogue."
A number of names from the approved list have already rescinded their applications. The party tentatively has conventions scheduled for August 24 through to October 12th.
