EBC Stays Neutral, Assigns UDP Red to Both Factions

The Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has ruled that all 41 candidates contesting under the UDP banner will share the party’s traditional red color, despite ongoing disputes over leadership within the party.

In a 4-1 majority vote, the EBC decided against assigning different colors to the Shyne Barrow and Tracy Panton factions, stating that both sides claim legitimacy and no legal ruling has settled the leadership dispute. The High Court, in a separate decision, also declined to restrain Panton from using UDP-related branding, reinforcing the Commission’s need to remain neutral.

The decision was made under Rule 15(4) of the Election Rules, which empowers the EBC to assign colors and symbols to parties contesting elections. The Commission considered three options: granting red only to Barrow’s 25 candidates, only to Panton’s 15 candidates, or applying it across all UDP-nominated candidates. The third option prevailed, ensuring all candidates under the UDP ticket will appear in red on the March 12, 2025 ballot.

The ruling effectively treats the UDP as a single entity, regardless of internal divisions, since no court has ruled otherwise. However, with the leadership case set for trial after the election on March 31, 2025, the issue remains unresolved.

The EBC emphasized its commitment to impartiality and stated that the decision preserves electoral integrity while awaiting judicial resolution. It reaffirmed that its mandate is to oversee a free and fair election, not to mediate political disputes.

With both factions now officially recognized under the same party color, voters will face an unprecedented ballot—one where candidates from the same party are, in reality, political rivals.