Panton and Chang Say They’re Ready for Bi-Election as Legal Threats Loom

UDP’s Tracy Panton and Lee Mark Chang say they are ready for a bi-election if it comes to that.  Their comments follow threats by Moses Shyne Barrow to sue them based on the recent court ruling that the October convention was illegal.  Barrow claims that the recent ruling validates his leadership and disqualifies Panton from claiming membership in the UDP. He argues that both Panton and Lee Mark Chang were allowed to run as UDP candidates in the last general elections under what he calls fraudulent conditions. He alleges that the commission did not have authority to do so and claims the decision directly contributed to his defeat in Mesopotamia. He says he intends to take the matter to court. Today, Panton and Chang pushed back, dismissing Barrow’s allegations, saying they hold no merit. They noted that they are ready to defend themselves whether in court or in a bi-election.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “That’s his prerogative .I wouldn’t usually respond to mad men. I think he’s a mad man. There was no fraud as he alleges but the legal system is there for any citizen of this country to utilize as they see feet so that’s entirely his prerogative.”

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia:”If he takes me to court or takes us to court it is what it is and the court will decide what is our fate. First of all the word fraud that he’s claiming, we went in as UDP candidates and the constituents, we didn’t win by one or two votes we won by 2:1. If I have to do it again it will happen again and it will be the same verdict just that he will look bad after that.”

Barrow is yet to officially launch the legal challenge.