Multiple UDP Candidates on Ballot—Could It Confuse Voters?

The Elections and Boundaries Commission ruled that all 41 United Democratic Party candidates—aligned with either Moses Shyne Barrow or Tracy Panton—will be assigned the colour red. The decision comes as the High Court is not expected to rule on the UDP leadership dispute until after March 31, well past the general election.

The colour red became a point of contention as both Barrow and Panton assert their leadership over the fractured party. When voters head to the polls on March 12, the ballots will display a red block with candidates’ names, without distinguishing between UDP factions.

Sample ballots have been distributed. News Five got an early look at the Port Loyola ballot, offering a glimpse into what’s shaping up to be a highly unusual race. Multiple U.D.P. candidates are competing for the same constituency—each proudly wearing the party’s signature red. But with this unexpected scenario unfolding, could it end up confusing voters and ultimately hurting the U.D.P.’s chances?