Posted: Thursday, February 27, 2025. 6:48 am CST.
By Horace Palacio: UDP standard-bearer Tracy Panton has publicly expressed her frustration over her party’s failure to field candidates in four key constituencies on Nomination Day, marking an unprecedented moment in the party’s history.
For the first time, the UDP did not have representation in Fort George, Pickstock, Dangriga, and Toledo East, effectively handing those seats to the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) uncontested. The absence of candidates has sparked internal criticism, with Panton pointing the blame at party leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s leadership.
Panton, who leads a faction within the UDP, said that she was left in the dark about the decision of some candidates to withdraw at the last minute. “I am certainly very disappointed that voters in this country do not get to choose who they want their representative to be, which is fundamental in our democratic process,” she stated.
She also questioned how candidates made a last-minute decision not to be nominated without prior discussions, emphasizing that they had ample time to step aside if they no longer wished to run.
Panton’s comments further highlight the deepening divide within the UDP, where tensions between her faction and Shyne Barrow’s supporters have been escalating.
She noted that her faction respected the constitutional process of the party, allowing the appointment of candidates where necessary, but refused to contest constituencies where there were already legitimate standard-bearers.
While some party insiders blame leadership struggles for the last-minute withdrawals, others suspect internal discontent among candidates who were dissatisfied with the direction of the UDP.
As the March 12 general elections approach, the UDP’s struggles could further weaken its chances of mounting a serious challenge against the PUP. With four seats already lost before the election even takes place, the party faces an uphill battle to regain political ground.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post UDP in crisis: Four seats lost before elections, Tracy Panton demands answers appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
UDP standard-bearer Tracy Panton has publicly expressed her frustration over her party’s failure to field candidates in four key constituencies on Nomination Day, marking an unprecedented moment in the party’s history.
The post UDP in crisis: Four seats lost before elections, Tracy Panton demands answers appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
