P.U.P. Leader Says ‘Any Number Can Play’

Kareem Musa

By whom will Party Leader John Briceño be challenged for control of the P.U.P.?  It’s a question being pondered by many within the opposition party, in light of the fact that candidates are yet to enter the intramural political race.  While it is strongly believed that the seat will be contested by Deputy Party Leader Kareem Musa, his application remains to be formalized ahead of the pending deadline.  Earlier today, the national executive of the People’s United Party met at Independence Hall.  During the hour-long gathering, a course of action was effectively outlined for other members of the executive wishing to vie for leadership.  In accordance with its constitution, nominations for party leader must be submitted in writing, accompanied by the written consent of the nominee, to Party Chairman Henry Charles Usher by four p.m. on October twenty-seventh.  A list of delegates from constituency committee chairpersons must also be tendered to the party chairman by that closing date.  So, is there a challenge looming and, if indeed the desired seat is contested by Kareem Musa, will he remain deputy party leader should he lose the bid for higher office?  That’s what we asked P.U.P. Party Leader John Briceño today in an exclusive sit down interview following the meeting of the national executive.

Isani Cayetano

“Coming out of last week’s gathering of the executives of the People’s United Party, were you aware or knowledgeable, in a sense, that you would have been challenged in terms of the upcoming national convention?”

John Briceño

John Briceño, P.U.P. Leader

“Well so far there is no challenge, I mean.  But as I said, at the National Party Council, when I made the recommendation for the National Party Council, because it is only the National Party Council that can call a national convention, I said it then, I said in the interviews, and I’m saying it now, anyone can aspire to lead this party.  It is a great honor and privilege to do so and we have to follow the constitution.”

Isani Cayetano

“I hope you don’t mind.  If you are to be challenged by Kareem Musa, Deputy Party Leader, and his challenge is unsuccessful, does he remain a Deputy Party Leader?  What happens at that point?”

John Briceño

“Well I think that you could only apply for one post at a time.  You can’t apply for two.  I guess I am sure that then if there’s a vacuum as Deputy Party Leader in the east, somebody else is going to apply to fill that vacuum.”