The United Progressive Party (UPP) is experiencing a significant internal fracture, not driven by policy differences or electoral performance, but rather by fundamental struggles over power and leadership direction. At the heart of this conflict lies a vocal faction—primarily consisting of overseas diaspora members and established power circles—attempting to orchestrate a leadership coup against current chairperson Giselle Isaac and party leader Jamal Pringle in favor of former leader Harold Lovell.
This internal resistance reflects deeper issues within the party’s culture, including elitist attitudes and resistance to younger leadership from non-traditional backgrounds. Pringle, who represents All Saints East and St. Luke, has demonstrated his political effectiveness through grassroots engagement and electoral success. Despite facing a serious challenge from Colin James, who came within 10 votes of victory in a previous election, Pringle strengthened his community connections and significantly expanded his margin of victory in the 2023 elections.
In stark contrast, Harold Lovell’s political record reveals a different story. His constituency work in City East has been widely criticized as inadequate, resulting in repeated electoral rejections by voters. Lovell’s previous leadership tenure included managing the chaotic last convention, making disrespectful comments about former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, and leading the party to two consecutive electoral defeats.
The current push for leadership change appears disconnected from on-the-ground political realities. Attendance at recent political events, including Christmas gatherings, indicates stronger public support for Pringle’s leadership than for Lovell’s attempted comeback. The party now faces critical challenges regarding internal discipline and unity, with two competing management teams creating organizational confusion and weakening the party’s competitive position.
The path forward requires the UPP to embrace its younger leadership while integrating the diaspora’s support without allowing external influences to override local decision-making. The party must move beyond personality-driven politics and focus on building electoral relevance through respect for voter preferences and demonstrated results rather than reliving a past that voters have consistently rejected.