On Tuesday we reported that PUP Cayo North Representative Joseph Mahmud would not contest the next general election: he will be stepping down as standard bearer. Now, conventional wisdom and our observation of the long history of politics told us that the matter would be dealt with: someone inside the PUP would reach out to Mahmud, and grease the squeaky wheel. But, it seems, no one will - and it seems the PUP thinks that Mahmud's problems are his and not theirs.
Now, that's pretty broad thinking when you consider that he controls one of 16 seats needed to form a government, but today deputy Leader for the South Mike Espat told us that Mahmud;s mind is made and there's nothing he can do about it:..
Jules Vasquez
"How do you feel about the developments with your colleague Joseph Mahmud?"
Hon. Mike Espat, PUP Toledo East
"You can't tell a man what to do. A man must decide for himself what he wants to do. I don't know what is his problem, he has not shared his problem with me or anybody else in the Southern Caucus."
Jules Vasquez
"You are an opposition person going into an election, it's likely that you won't lose. But now that if he steps down, it puts that seat in play. So what should have been a sure seat for the PUP is up in the air. You have to lament that, seats are hard to get."
Hon. Mike Espat, PUP Toledo East
"We understand that, but it's the reality on the ground. What are we going to do about it, cry about it?"
Jules Vasquez
"Should somebody not reach out to Joseph Mahmud and say let us work this out. I know he has done this before."
Hon. Mike Espat, PUP Toledo East
"But you can't force the man to do it. It's his wish and we have to respect his wish."
Jules Vasquez
"But then will the PUP be able to hold on to what has historically been a UDP area?"
Hon. Mike Espat, PUP Toledo East
"That's left to be seen. The people will decide my brother, not me or not Mahmud. The people will decide."
Jules Vasquez
"Bur as a deputy leader of the party, it has to concern you that what looked like a pretty secured seat in...."
Hon. Mike Espat, PUP Toledo East
"But what can you do about it. The man has made his decision. Plain and simple."
And so while Representative Mahmud's departure seems to be pretty much a matter concluded, there's also another less noteworthy PUP departure to note tonight. Micah Goodin, who told us that he was the standard bearer for the PUP in Collett, announced today on Facebook that he is stepping down. He says on his facebook page, "today I decided to change direction…" and goes on to thank those in the PUP who have helped him.
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