Belizeans to vote for new government in March

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Prime Minister John Briceño on 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, 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. 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 election, 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 five seats.

Political observers say that by calling the elections next month, 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, Shyne Barrow, has also called for the authorities to conduct “a meaningful and fair redistricting” exercise before the next general election, which had been expected by November this year.

“The UDP joins the Belize Peace Movement, Jeremy Enriquez, Rudolph Norales, and Jessica Tulcey in their fight for redistricting to be completed before the general election is called, and we implore all democratic allies of Belize, civil society, social activists, and guardians of democracy everywhere to join in this fight. Equal representation matters in our sacred democracy.”

Trinidad-based Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, a former attorney general, is representing Enriquez, Norales, Tulcey, and others.

He had requested that the government provide at least five days’ notice before announcing the date of the general election.

However, 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 p.m. (local time) on Friday.

Courtenay Coye stated that with 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.

“Your clients’ intended claim is wholly misconceived. The government has, and continues to, comply with its constitutional obligations. We are therefore instructed to indicate that the Prime Minister declines your request for an undertaking,” Courtenay Coye stated.

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

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