I may contest another post

Responding to a series of media reports surrounding his political future, and whether St Augustine MP Winston Dookeran, would replace him as UNC political leader, Panday declared that the party’s future, will be determined by its membership and not by any individual or clique acting in a unilateral manner and contrary to the democratic principles upon which the UNC was founded.

Panday said what was happening in the party right now was an exercise in strengthening its democracy and he had no idea why certain sections of the media and armchair politicians were "making such a fuss." Panday boasted that the UNC was a unique political party within the Caribbean because of its democratic principles and it far surpassed the ruling PNM in this regard. Panday said he has no problem stepping down as political leader if that was the wish of the party’s membership and that he has always held firm to that position. However, Panday explained that because the UNC is a democratic party, this meant that no one should have a problem with him deciding to relinquish his current post in the executive and contest another one instead. The UNC leader said he "may contest another post" but has not reached a decision on this matter yet.

On reports that he would support a particular slate in the October 2 polls, Panday said he has not made a decision on this matter either.

While confirming that he has been speaking with Dookeran on matters relating to the October 2 elections, Panday declined to comment on the nature of those discussions.

Some reports allege that a deal is being brokered for Panday to contest the post of party chairman while Dookeran contests the political leader position. Incumbent UNC chairman Wade Mark yesterday said he was unaware of any such arrangement being discussed.

Asked about claims made by UNC MPs Gerald Yetming and Kamla Persad-Bissessar about the existence of cliques in the party which could be trying to influence the UNC in certain directions, Panday said he has not spoken to either MP on this matter. The UNC leader said while there may be groups in the party that are advancing different views as to which road the party should take, no clique will be allowed to dictate the UNC’s future and that decision lay in the hands of its membership.

He added that all questions regarding who will contest the party’s executive positions on October 2 will be answered on September 8 when nominations close.

UNC chief executive officer, Dr Tim Gopeesingh, yesterday said no nominations for the party’s executive positions have been submitted to date but those nominations will be filed by September 8.

UNC MPs Dr Roodal Moonilal and Kelvin Ramnath have indicated their desire to contest one of the party’s three deputy leader posts but Gopeesingh reiterated that this was just by word of mouth since no nominations have been received as yet.

Panday will update UNC supporters on all matters concerning the October 2 elections at a public meeting tonight at the St David RC School in Kelly Village, Caroni at 7.15 pm.