Belizeans vote for new government in March

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Prime Minister John Briceño Tuesday named March 12 as the date for fresh general elections in Belize, nine months ahead of the constitutional deadline.

In a nationwide broadcast in which he urged all Belizeans to exercise their right to vote and to consider key factors such as performance, stability, and leadership readiness when making their decision, Briceño, said he had advised Governor General, Dame Froyla Tzalam, to dissolve the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Nomination Day is February 25.

“Election Day is your chance, a chance to be cherished, where in free and fair elections, you choose the person and the party that can best represent your interests,’ Briceño said.

In his address Prime Minister Briceño recalled the state of the country four years ago, describing it as virtually bankrupt, with public sector wages frozen, high unemployment, and a shrinking economy.

He said his ruling People’s United Party (PUP) government had been able to transform the country and that Belizeans are now working, earning higher wages, and benefiting from economic expansion driven by private sector investment and responsible public spending.

“With this sterling report card in hand, and after careful reflection and prayer, I have decided to deliver. That now is an appropriate time to seek from you a renewal of our electoral mandate,”  said Briceño, who has indicated that this election will be his last if his administration secures another term.

In the last general elections held on November 11, 2020, the then-opposition PUP achieved its first national election victory since 2003, winning 26 seats, while the then-incumbent United Democratic Party (UDP) suffered its worst result since 1998, winning the remaining 5 seats.

Political observers say that by calling the elections next month, Prime Minister Briceño has done so amid ongoing debates about the need for redistricting.

The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) and other advocacy groups have been vocal about the constitutional requirement for redistricting before any new elections. This legal challenge could potentially delay the election process.

The UDP leader, (UDP), Shyne Barrow, has also called on the authorities to conduct  “a meaningful and fair redistricting” exercise before the next general election that had been expected by November this year.

Trinidad-based Senior Counsel, Anand Ramlogan, a former attorney general, is representing  Enriquez, Norales and Tulcey among others. He had requested that the government provide at least five days’ notice before announcing the date of the general election

But in its response, the law firm Courtenay Coye acknowledged receipt of Ramlogan’s letter, dated February 6, 2025,  noting that he had demanded a commitment from the prime minister by 4.00 pm (local time) on Friday.

Courtney Coye said with the Parliament then in session, it was not possible to consult with their client and provide a response within the short timeframe given.

They cited the Pre-Action Protocols Practice Direction and indicated that a more detailed response would be issued by Monday. In reply, Ramlogan reaffirmed the necessity of a clear commitment from the Attorney General of Belize.

Courtenay Coye also dismissed demands for a legal undertaking regarding redistricting, indicating that the government has complied with the 2022 Consent Order.

In a letter to Ramlogan, the law firm maintained that the National Assembly had already considered redistricting proposals, fulfilling the government’s constitutional obligations.

In a message posted on its website, the UDP said that “the countdown begins” and that “this 12th of March be part of the Change”.