Longtime United Democratic Party (UDP) member Tobaski Sibi has resigned from the party with immediate effect, expressing displeasure with what he called a lack of internal democracy. In a letter dated September 18, 2025, he informed the party’s Administrative Secretary of his resignation.
Sibi emphasized in the letter his dedication to the UDP in a variety of capacities, including Chairman of the Transport and Logistics Committee, National Youth Executive Committee member, Ward Secretary, Constituency Coordinator, Regional Youth Secretary General, and Regional Youth Leader. He claimed that the democratic principles of the party, which he now feels have been compromised, were the reason he had taken satisfaction in serving it.
In particular, Sibi attacked the party’s flag-bearer selection procedure, claiming that it ignores grassroots involvement. He asked why the party’s flag bearer, who he called “arguably the most important for both the party and the nation,” could not be chosen by the same assembly of delegates that chooses the national leadership.
“The democratic will of the grassroots—the real party owners, the militants who donate money and buy membership cards in the hopes that their voices will be heard when it matters most—is not reflected in this process,” Sibi wrote.
He disclosed that he expressed his worries to the party leader, who allegedly said that “our democracy is premature” in response. Sibi claims that this reaction strengthened his resolve to withdraw. “I no longer want to be associated with a party that says it supports democracy but minimizes it to unrealistic aspirations,” he said.
Sibi also mentioned his experience in the National Assembly Member (NAM) primaries, when he said that the party leadership pushed him to resign in favor of a preferred candidate even though he had won handily. According to him, this behavior compromised representation, justice, and the confidence that the party claims to maintain.
Sibi praised his colleagues, the UDP, and its leadership for the opportunity they had provided him over the years. But he came to the conclusion that he had to proceed “in pursuit of principles that truly align with my beliefs and values” in order to exercise his democratic freedom to freely associate and disengage.
