Is Mike Peyrefitte the Answer to the UDP’s Troubles?

Mike Peyrefitte is back at the helm of the United Democratic Party, stepping once again into the role of chairman. But his return raises more questions than answers. Just a few months ago, Peyrefitte resigned—only six days after the U.D.P. suffered a crushing defeat in the March twelfth general elections. His departure didn’t calm the storm within the party. In fact, tensions have only worsened, with last weekend’s failed National Party Council meeting marking a new low. So why is he back? According to Peyrefitte, both sides of the divided party reached out to him, urging him to return. They believe he might be the one to help heal the rift and guide the party toward unity and strong leadership. Initially hesitant, Peyrefitte says he ultimately felt a duty to return for the sake of the party he loves.

 

Mike Peyrefitte, Returning Chairman, U.D.P.

“Well on March eighteenth, I resigned as chairman. I thought that my absence would be in the best interest of the party going forward, at that point. And since events that took place recently, and before. Both factions, if you could call it that, within the party, reached out to me and indicated to me that they would like for me to rescind my resignation because they believe that at this point I could be of some assistance to have the party proceed in a way to have us heal, to have us have definitive leadership and for us to move forward. Naturally, I initially resisted, but in the best interest of the party that I love and I want to see move forward, I think it was important that if my colleagues were asking me to return, then I was obligated, as a service to the party, to come back and see if I can help with that process. So I agreed. I’ve presented to the parties involved that I have a certain vision and a way that I think we can resolve the issues of the party going forward. We are in discussions with those and we will see where it goes and I am fully prepared to take charge of the party, so to speak, up until the point where we have a national convention and the people of the party can vote on who they want to be their substantive leader, first deputy, second deputy, chairman and vice chairman, at  the very least.”