Leaked UDP Group Chat Exposes Ongoing Internal Tensions

One of the issues that has arisen time and time again for the UDP is the airing of its proverbial dirty laundry.  As a matter of fact, just hours before the convention, screenshots began circulating on social media from a private group chat revealing continued internal tensions within the United Democratic Party (UDP).  The messages, dated throughout Saturday evening and Sunday morning, show heated exchanges between and among party members over leadership loyalties, expressions of support for candidates, and accusations of disrespect and unfair treatment. The exchange got to the point where Lee Mark Chang had to remind them that they are occupying his building and as such he should have the freedom to voice his concerns.  The exchange of remarks underscored lingering divisions within the UDP, even as the party transitions into a new era under incoming leadership. Party Leader Tracy Panton addressed the situation, acknowledging that tensions remain within party ranks.  Panton says disagreements should be handled through open dialogue within the private domain of the party.  Similarly, First Deputy Party Leader Hugo Patt echoed the call for calm and accountability.  

Tracy Panton, UDP Leader: “Well, I am a firm believer that in a mass political party you’re going to have differences of opinions, different views. It’s part of the hurly burly if you will of politics. It will be my request to ensure that those things happen within our family headquarters and not on the social media and on the street. It has no place there.”

Hugo Patt: “ I for one take it to heart whenever I see my party, particularly in the public domain, basically showing that their infighting, their differences. I don’t think that that is the nature of the UDP. In my opinion we need to sit down, we need to get to work together, and from there we move on. Differences, you would have to leave aside.”

The new leadership team now faces the immediate challenge of healing internal rifts while moving forward with the party’s restructuring and national outreach plans.