Former Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow has launched a legal challenge against the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) and the Attorney General, claiming that the commission acted unlawfully by allowing a group of candidates aligned with current Opposition Leader Tracy Panton to use the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) name, colors, and symbols in the recently held general elections.
Barrow filed a formal application for judicial review, arguing that the EBC’s February 25, 2025 decision infringes on the constitutional rights of the officially recognized UDP leadership and violates Belize’s electoral laws. According to the claim, the 15 candidates in question were not approved or endorsed by the party’s National Party Council or Central Executive, and therefore, should not have been permitted to identify themselves as official UDP candidates.
Barrow contends that the decision to approve these candidates under the UDP banner was made irrationally, unreasonably, and in bad faith. He claims the ruling undermined the party’s freedom of association and disrupts the principle of free and fair elections by effectively legitimizing a breakaway faction.
Barrow requesting a declaration that the EBC’s decision is null and void, as well as damages for the alleged breach of constitutional rights.