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Francis Fonseca: Ready To Become Sixth Leader Of PUP, But Who's With Him
posted (October 28, 2011)
Tomorrow morning, Francis Fonseca will be sworn in as the sixth leader of the PUP. It will happen at what is being called a special convention at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall set for ten am.

An advertisement bills the Freetown Representative as a PUP servant of the people, but, observers agree, the real test for Fonseca's leadership will be whether he can unite and fund the party - which is somewhat splintered and in a dire financial position. We have confirmed that immediate past leader John Briceno has committed to support him and will be present. A neat reversal because 42 months ago in March of 2008, Briceno is the one who had bested Fonseca in a hard fought leadership convention.

And while Briceno will be there, we can't say the same for interim leader Mark Espat who is out of the country. Espat - who recently declined the post of leader after gaining support form 30 of 31 constituencies told us one week ago of Fonseca, quote: "I wish him well and look forward to hearing his plan to free the party from the grip and presence of those responsible for its electoral woes."

That indicates there is a wide chasm separating those two, but with Briceno's support there will at least be a Leader Of The Opposition in the House of Representatives.

A week ago there was none - as senior parliamentarian Said Musa could not get a majority of support from the party's six elected representatives to be sworn in as leader. On Monday, we'll let you know how the Special Convention goes.

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