Barrow-Led UDP Chair Says Decision on Party Symbols Was Premature

While Panton’s faction believes a final determination will be made on Monday, the Chair for the Barrow-led UDP, Michael Peyrefitte, believes the decision was somewhat premature. He says there is still plenty of time for the sides to determine whether they would decide to go another route altogether. This morning, he explained that while he believes the commission would ultimately be tasked to assign symbols, it shouldn’t his faction’s chances at the polls. 

Michael Peyrefitte, Chairperson (Barrow UDP): “Clearly it’s premature, but I would say that there are a lot more things important, a lot more things that are more important than a color and a ballot. I would like to think that the Belizean people, when they go to the polls they don’t say “oh wow, look at that color. Well then let me have that person.” Hold on. Let me vote for that person simply because, really vote for that person to control the finances, my tax dollars, and the only determination as to whether or not you vote for that person is whatever symbol is next to their name. I would like to think that the Belizean people are deeper than that. However, the Elections and Boundaries have to find a way to differentiate between candidates. I think your name should be the thing that differentiates you from anybody. I mean, I don’t know….if we’re in Belmopan, so let me use a Belmopan example. I don’t know how a color next to a person’s name will make you confuse Saldivar with Mira. I mean, I really don’t know how, orr Fraser or whatever. So what I’m saying is that is not something I don’t think a color will make that much of a difference. But we are traditionally, as the commissioner said, UDP red and so our candidates will be putting that color, I’m sure. That’s why you have, I believe, sample ballots. So if Paul Lopez is running and he is running under a Sandfly or Mosquito you’d have the sample ballot with his name with the X next to him. So I imagine that if he goes to campaign he will distribute his sample ballot and say, “hey, I am  the macala, see? Just look for the macala and vote for me.” I really don’t see the difficulty. Now, of course, of course, options are open for judicial review of the commission. The UDP would have to discuss any decision made by the Elections and Boundaries Commission and weigh our options.”

Peyrefitte didn’t say when or if the Barrow-led UDP would be announcing a slate of thirty-one candidates.