Unprecedented divisions ahead of general elections see multiple candidates running under traditional UDP red

Posted: Thursday, February 27, 2025. 11:08 am CST.

By Zoila Palma: The upcoming March 12 elections in Belize are witnessing an unprecedented situation within the United Democratic Party (UDP), as several constituencies will see multiple candidates using the party’s traditional red color.

This rare occurrence is a direct result of divisions within the UDP, stemming from tensions between leader Shyne Barrow and former party member Tracy Panton.

Historically, the UDP has been united under its red branding, but this election sees candidates from both factions running in constituencies, creating confusion among voters.

Notably, this situation has arisen as Barrow and Panton’s disagreements have led to the formation of rival factions, each with its own slate of candidates.

This internal rift is reshaping the political landscape in a way Belize has never seen before, as the traditionally unified UDP now faces an internal struggle for dominance.

In addition to the multiple candidates from the same party, there is another unprecedented development: several constituencies where the UDP has been unable to field candidates at all.

This includes Pickstock and Fort George, where last-minute withdrawals left voters without a clear representative from the UDP.

In a further departure from tradition, both Shyne Barrow and Tracy Panton have publicly expressed support for independent candidates in areas where their party has not fielded any.

For example, Barrow is backing former People’s United Party (PUP) area representative Elvia Vega Samos in Corozal Bay, among others.

This shift in strategy is seen as a clear indication of the growing fragmentation within the UDP, as both leaders seek to influence the election outcome, even if it means supporting candidates outside of their own party.

The rising divisions within the UDP, alongside these unprecedented changes in party strategy, signal a new era in Belizean politics, where factionalism is playing a larger role than party unity.

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The post Unprecedented divisions ahead of general elections see multiple candidates running under traditional UDP red appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Thursday, February 27, 2025. 11:08 am CST. By Zoila Palma: The upcoming March 12 elections in Belize are witnessing an unprecedented situation within the United
The post Unprecedented divisions ahead of general elections see multiple candidates running under traditional UDP red appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.