March 12, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Voters Arriving from Melchor in Cayo West

In the first two hours of voting, 943 ballots were cast across multiple polling areas in Cayo West, representing 12.3% of registered voters.

Polling area 83 recorded 460 voters, while polling area 84 in San Jose Succotz saw 132 voters. In polling area 82, 260 individuals had cast their ballots, and Calla Creek recorded 16 voters. In Arenal, 75 voters contributed to the overall total.

Notably, a significant number of voters were observed arriving from Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala. Many of these individuals, some arriving in groups of two to five every 15 minutes, are recognized within the community, raising questions about cross-border voter participation in the electoral process.

Objections to Voter Eligibility Cause Early Chaos in Cayo North

As the 2025 General Elections progress, Lennox Nicholson, the Returning Officer for Cayo North, provided an update on voter turnout and ongoing challenges at polling stations in the constituency.

Cayo North, which comprises polling stations in San Ignacio and Bullet Tree, saw an active start to the voting process. “Over 500 ballots were cast here in San Ignacio, while about 180 votes were recorded in Bullet Tree,” Nicholson stated. He noted that the atmosphere has been consistently busy with a steady flow of voters throughout the day.

However, the process has not been without challenges. Nicholson confirmed that there have been multiple objections raised regarding certain voters. What has happened is that we have been having to deal with this particular situation where there have been objections yes to ballots being issued to many voters. Right. So what what I have been doing is working with my presiding officers to note the objections and to put them, give them a briefing as to how to deal with these objections and trying to make sure that they know how to treat with it throughout the rest of the day,” he explained.

When asked whether these objections were related to the 124 voters previously challenged by UDP candidate Omar Figueroa, Nicholson acknowledged the connection. “There are objections being made on the bases that there are some court matters.”

“Our remit is to manage the process and allow every single voter in that voting list to get a ballot. So they are being allowed to vote. Since they have raised objections we are documenting those objections meticulously.”

“In the first hour it was absolutely chaotic because we were being bombarded with these objections.”

Nicholson assured that election officers have now streamlined the process.

He urged all registered voters in Cayo North to participate in the election.

Early Voter Turnout Trends Across Belize as General Elections Underway

As of 8:50 a.m., the Elections and Boundaries Department reported voter turnout across 29 of the 31 electoral divisions. The divisions of Pickstock and Fort George are not included in the count, as the People’s United Party (PUP) has already secured victory in those areas. This means the official online tally reflects 197,018 registered voters, though the total number of registered electors nationwide stands at 204,378.

Collet recorded the highest turnout so far at 13.88%, followed by Cayo South at 12.51% and Mesopotamia at 12.12%. Other notable divisions include Freetown at 10.48%, Lake Independence at 10.12%, and Queen’s Square at 9.77%. Belize Rural North saw 9.49%, while Toledo West stood at 8.57%. In the Orange Walk District, North recorded 8.10%, Central 6.97%, and East 3.63%. Cayo North registered 8.00%, Central 6.85%, North East 6.28%, and West 5.36%. Corozal Bay stood at 7.46%, South East at 6.77%, South West at 4.97%, and North at 4.17%. Belmopan reported 6.11%, while Caribbean Shores had 5.95%, Belize Rural South 5.07%, and Belize Rural Central 4.29%. Other divisions included Port Loyola at 4.39%, Orange Walk South at 4.34%, Stann Creek West at 2.65%, Toledo East at 2.61%, and Dangriga at 1.42%. Albert had not reported any turnout at the time of the update.

A total of 12,431 ballots have been cast so far. The gender breakdown of voters shows 48.71% male and 51.29% female participation. Voting is taking place at 484 polling stations nationwide. These figures are continuously being updated, and there may be delays in reporting.

PM Briceño Encourages Voter Turnout as Polls Open for General Elections

As Belizeans head to the polls today for the general elections, Prime Minister and People’s United Party (PUP) leader John Briceño expressed confidence in his party’s support and encouraged all eligible voters to cast their ballots.

Speaking early this morning, Briceño described the election day atmosphere as “exciting” and said he and his team were out greeting voters, thanking them for their participation, and rallying support. “All elections are exciting, and this one is no different,” he stated. “We feel that we have a lot of support, and over the past four years and four months, we have managed to garner even more.”

Briceño noted that voter turnout patterns tend to follow a familiar trend, with an early morning rush, a slowdown mid-morning, and an increase in the afternoon as more people get off work.

He also highlighted the significance of today’s public holiday, saying it should positively impact turnout by making it easier for more people to vote. However, he acknowledged that some essential workers, such as those in call centers, may still face challenges in getting to the polls.

Encouraging Belizeans to exercise their democratic right, Briceño urged, “It is important for everyone to come out and register their vote in support of the party of their choice. Of course, I hope they support us, as we have done tremendous work over the past four years.”

Polls Officially Open for Belize’s General Elections

Polling stations across Belize opened their doors at 7:00 a.m. today as voters head to the polls to elect the country’s next government. Today will determine the composition of the National Assembly for the next five years.

Six political bodies are contesting the March 12 general elections. The ruling People’s United Party (PUP) has 31 candidates, while the United Democratic Party (UDP) is fielding 41 candidates, split between leaders Moses “Shyne” Barrow (28) and Tracy Panton (13). The Belizean Justice Movement (BJM) is running with 7 candidates, the People’s National Party (PNP) with 2, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with 4, and the General Opportunity Development Party (GODP) with 1. Additionally, four independent candidates are in the race.

The Elections and Boundaries Department has deployed staff and observers across all polling stations to facilitate voting and uphold electoral regulations.

The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission is also on the ground, monitoring the process to assess fairness, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles.

Prime Minister John Briceño, leader of the ruling PUP, is seeking re-election, while both Moses Barrow and Tracy Panton of the UDP hope to sway voters.

Polling stations will remain open until 6:00 p.m., after which the counting of votes will commence. Early reports indicate a steady stream of voters at multiple locations, with authorities urging all eligible citizens to exercise their democratic right.

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