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'UDP': Uniting a Divided Party? Alliance for Democracy Sets Date for ‘Unity’ Convention

The Alliance for Democracy (AfD) has set October 6th, 2024, as the date for a special Unity Convention; the group plans to recall the current United Democratic Party (UDP) leader, appoint an interim leader, and push for sweeping constitutional reforms to address internal grievances and restore democratic processes.


Hon. Tracy Panton, Albert Area Representative, stated that the convention is necessary to correct what the AfD sees as rampant violations of the UDP’s constitution under the current leadership. The AfD insists that the 528 delegates of the party hold the ultimate authority in such matters, not the party chairman or leader. Panton emphasized that the Unity Convention would give delegates the opportunity to address key issues, such as the arbitrary removal of standard bearers and the improper dismissal of recall petitions. “We are members of the United Democratic Party. We are not going anywhere,” she affirmed.


According to Panton, the special convention aims to address the party’s fractured leadership and will seek both the removal of the current UDP leader and the appointment of an interim leader until a broader convention can resolve the party's ongoing disputes. The convention will also table key constitutional reforms to ensure the party adheres to its own rules in the future. Panton emphasized that the decision for the October convention adheres to the party's constitution, which allows for such gatherings with 30 days’ notice to delegates.


Hon. Patrick Faber, Collet Representative, further outlined the goals of the Unity Convention, emphasizing the AfD’s commitment to restoring democratic principles within the UDP. He explained that one of the key proposals is to reform the way decisions are made within the party, addressing the lack of transparency and accountability in recent decisions. “We call on our colleagues in the party… to return to the principles of democracy,” Faber stated, stressing the need for proper voting processes and record-keeping.


While the AfD—whose members include Beverly Williams and former Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar—remains focused on the convention and reform, both Faber and Panton reiterated their rejection of claims that they and other AfD members had “constructively resigned” from the party.


The leadership’s allegation, they argue, is part of a broader attempt to suppress internal dissent and avoid accountability. The AfD maintains that the leadership’s refusal to address recall petitions and its arbitrary decisions have eroded the party’s democratic foundation. Faber criticized these actions as "nonsense and undemocratic," reinforcing the need for constitutional reforms to prevent future infractions.


In response to the AfD's planned convention, the UDP leadership has maintained that the AfD members are no longer recognized as part of the party. A press release issued by the UDP clarified that “Tracy Panton, Patrick Faber, John Saldivar and Beverly Williams are no longer members of the United Democratic Party.”

The release further noted that the application period to fill the vacancies for standard bearers in the Albert, Belmopan, Belize Rural Central, and Collet constituencies will close on September 6th, 2024.

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