Denny Grijalva Victorious in U.D.P. OW Central Convention

The battle among three candidates to represent the Orange Walk Central constituency for the United Democratic Party ended on Sunday evening with incumbent Denny Grijalva defeating Yvette Liu Torres and Evan Williams. Grijalva blew Torres and Williams out of the water, garnering nine hundred and eighty-four votes to Torres’ four hundred and thirty-three votes and Williams’ four hundred and seventy-six votes. Now, Orange Walk Central is considered a sure seat for the People’s United Party and is the home and constituency of Opposition Leader John Briceño. Grijalva, however, says that over the years he has managed to close the margin. News Five’s Hipolito Novelo reports.

Hipolito Novelo, Reporting

The race was on Sunday in Orange Walk Central. Denny Grijalva, Yvette Liu Torress, and Evan Williams went head to head to head to secure the opportunity to represent the constituency under the United Democratic Party. The People’s Stadium was overrun by U.D.P. campaigners, voters, and the three aspiring standard bearers. After the counting ceased U.D.P. Chairman, Alberto August delivered the figures to the waiting supporters who were already rejoicing Grijalva’s victory.

Alberto August

Alberto August, Chairman, United Democratic Party

“We had Evan Williams with four hundred and seventy-six votes. We have Yvette Liu Torres with four hundred and thirty-three votes and Denny Grijalva Cruz with nine hundred and eighty-four votes.”

Of the four thousand five hundred eligible voters in Orange Walk Central, one thousand nine hundred and two voters participated in the convention. When these figures are compared to the 2015 general elections results the support for the U.D.P. in the division declined. The current area representative, P.U.P. Leader John Briceño defeated Grijalva who received two thousand and eighty-seven votes compared to Briceño’s two thousand, seven hundred and ten votes. Grijalva, however, found a silver lining in those figures.

Denny Grijalva

Denny Grijalva, U.D.P. Standard Bearer, Orange Walk Central

“I have lost one convention in the east and two general elections ii think for me we’re still in that process to victory. This is the first victory and the bigger victory is coming soon.

If you recall the first general elections I lost by one thousand. On the last election we lost by six hundred votes and remember we had an independent candidate that was a U.D.P. so he got a think five hundred and add votes. Majority of those votes were U.D.P. So if you add up the numbers I think we have (de)creased the margin significantly.”

And for Grijalva to defeat Briceno in what is considered a PUP sure seat, he’ll need the support of Torres and Williams.

Yvette Liu Torres

Yvette Liu Torres, Candidate

“At the end of the day we have a new standard bearer. The people of central have spoken and we are here as one United Democratic Party.”

Evan Williams, Candidate

“This is what democracy looks like in the U.D.P. party. Once again we are here together in unity for the big battle for the general elections.”

Evan Williams

Denny Grijalva

“We will continue with the plan that we have. We have a long-term and we will continue with that plan. I think it is working and will continue to work. It will just take time.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Hipolito Novelo.