Showdown in the UDP As Panton and Barrow Spar Over Convention Claims

Tracy Panton, Area Representative for Albert, issued a strong statement on behalf of the Alliance for Democracy. Panton says that the UDP Constitution allows one-fourth of the delegates to call a meeting of the National Convention. According to Panton, the Party Chairman, Michael Peyrefitte, does not have the authority to block such a convention. In her statement, Panton also accuses Peyrefitte, Vice Chairman Alberto August, and Party Leader Moses Barrow of “hijacking” the party and disregarding the constitution.

She said that, despite opposition, the delegates will make their voices heard on October 20, 2024, stating, “The power lies with the delegates, not the dictators.”

In response, Barrow condemned the claims made by the Alliance for Democracy. In his statement, Barrow accused the group of spreading “deception and fraud” about the UDP’s internal affairs, clarifying that there is no National Convention scheduled for October 20, 2024. He said that the next UDP National Convention is not set until after the next General Elections, in line with the decision made at the August 2023 National Convention.

Barrow also refuted the Alliance for Democracy’s claims by noting that the UDP Constitution does not mention a National Convention Secretariat or Protem Secretariat, urging the public and party members not to be misled by “false advertisements” from the Alliance. He called on the Alliance to “cease and desist from fraud and deception” in promoting the October 20th activity as a UDP event.