For the past few days we've been reporting on the PUP's Rebel 12 - the dozen candidates who are demanding changes in the party - mainly a national convention - one which could unseat Leader Francis Fonseca. But Fonseca and his loyalists have been moving in lockstep to close ranks - and in so doing isolate the dissenting dozen - which is led by John Briceno, Cordel Hyde and Dan Silva. It could come to a head tomorrow because Fonseca has called for a meeting of the party's National Executive and Standard Bearers. We don't know the agenda, but we know what's on the table: the Rebel 12 have written to the party chairman asking for a national convention, and Cayo Central Candidate Dan Silva has posted their position on Facebook. He says, quote, "something has to happen. We cannot continue as we have, pretending as if though all is well when we know that something is wrong. That something is that the people are not buying what we are presenting to them..The people...have been very clear every chance they have gotten. They are not impressed with our party…it is absolutely important that we call an urgent National Convention."
So, tomorrow's meeting is for the rebel 12 to air it out, but as a minority, outflanked by 19 standard bearers who support Fonseca. The 12 could boycott the meeting, or attend, and face a political firing squad, one which will endorse Fonseca as leader. Of course, those aren't the only options: There's still room in there for mischief making by the rebels - so we'll wait and see what comes out of tomorrow's meeting which starts at 2:00 in the afternoon.
But, things will come to a head quickly because the PUP has plans a rally for next week Monday evening in San Ignacio, Dan Silva's backyard. The motorcade from Esperanza and Rally is in support of their leader - so we'll see if Silva will support, or if senior party personalities such as John Briceno, Cordel Hyde and Jose Mai will be present. If the PUP does not mend fences before then - it could be embarrassing going into a unity rally with key party players.
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