UDP launches new constitution

Eleven months after the General Elections, the United Democratic Party launched its new Party Constitution Tuesday night. Members at a special conference ratified the document at Birds Isle late last month and according to the UDP it represents a more participatory approach. Aside from the general aims and goals of the party and requirements for membership, the document presents a change in the way the leaders are elected, abolishing the Electoral College in favor of an open election in which all delegates to the convention can vote. When Manuel Esquivel stepped down after the UDP defeat in the General Elections last August, a special convention was held and Dean Barrow was elected party leader. However, under the new constitution the leader will be chosen at the first sitting of the national convention and Barrow told news five says he intends to run again. That convention will be held October 3rd. Copies of the new constitution are available from the UDP secretariat.