UDP is keeping a close eye on redistricting exercise

Another issue the UDP Leader, Moses “Shyne” Barrow talked about candidly was the ongoing redistricting process. It’s one where small constituencies like Mesopotamia and Albert can be reconfigured very differently from where they are today. Sitting Ministers already anticipate that large chunks of their electoral divisions are being cut in significant ways. We asked Barrow today for his views on the process thus far and whether he feels there’s any room for gerrymandering attempts.

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition: “We have our lawyers, we have private lawyers and our party legal counsel. I certainly object to Collet Montejo having the role that he has as an executive on the Election and Boundaries and a PUP Senator it is a blatant violation of the constitution but we will reserve our right to litigate at the appropriate time. I do believe in redistricting, I do believe in equal representation. I do believe you shouldn’t have 10,000 voters in Stann Creek West and you know only 3,000 in Mesopotamia. I’d like to see a balance, what that balance looks like we await but I am hopeful that a redistricting process will proceed. I am doubtful that it would because I understand there are many internal skirmishes happening behind the scenes. I do know the courts have ruled that something must be tabled in the National Assembly by July so we’ll see what happens in the House of Representatives at that time.”

Reporter: And finally on the redistricting issue is the United Democratic Party in your opinion still concerned about the possibilities that exist for gerrymandering to take place ? 

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition: “That is a concern but I think it is quite difficult, you’re going to win and you’re going to lose and I think that is the problem that they’re having. They can’t gerrymander it’s just not working out. You cut here, you cut there you know it doesn’t always work out perfectly so you will win and you will lose. I do believe that ultimately democracy wins when there’s a greater equality as to the representation and so I look forward to seeing what is tabled in the House of Representatives in July.”