March, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Midday Election Turnout Reaches 28.38% Across Belize

As Belize’s 2025 General Election progresses, voter turnout has reached 28.38% as of 12:20 p.m., according to the Elections and Boundaries Department. With data compiled from 29 of 31 electoral divisions, a total of 55,912 ballots have been cast.

The gender breakdown of voters shows that 51.29% of ballots were cast by female voters, while 48.71% came from male voters.

Highest Turnout Divisions at Midday

Some divisions are seeing significantly higher voter engagement than others. The Albert division currently leads with a 43.88% turnout, followed closely by Queen’s Square (42.32%), Lake Independence (40.12%), and Mesopotamia (39.41%).

Other divisions with strong voter participation include Freetown (37.29%), Collet (37.05%), Toledo West (36.75%), and Cayo North (32.97%).

Lower Turnout in Southern Belize

At the other end of the spectrum, Stann Creek West (17.15%) and Dangriga (17.70%) are seeing the lowest voter turnout so far.

With polling stations remaining open until 6:00 p.m., election officials are urging all eligible voters to cast their ballots before the deadline. Turnout figures are expected to increase as the day progresses.

Deputy Commissioner Rosado: Police Bolster Presence to Ensure Peaceful Election

As Belizeans head to the polls, law enforcement officials are working to maintain order and ensure a smooth electoral process. Speaking outside Swift Hall on Vernon Street in Belize City, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Operations, Dr. Richard Rosado, reaffirmed the police department’s commitment to upholding public safety and the integrity of the elections.

“Our role as law enforcement is to be the guardians of public order and safety,” Dr. Rosado stated. “We are working closely with election officials to ensure a coordinated and effective response to any challenges that may arise.”

To strengthen security measures, police presence has been significantly increased at polling stations nationwide. Officers are working alongside the Belize Defence Force and the Coast Guard to provide comprehensive public security coverage. Law enforcement teams are also closely monitoring areas with a history of gang activity, utilizing intelligence to prevent any potential disruptions.

Dr. Rosado issued a stern warning against unlawful behaviour, saying that authorities will take proportionate action against any violations. “Let there be no misunderstanding that any unlawful behaviour will be dealt with. And proportionate action will be taken,” he asserted.

In high-risk areas such as Lake Independence, where gang-related incidents are a concern, additional security personnel, including police recruits and seasoned officers, have been deployed. “We have a significant increase of police manpower across the city and across the country, including our personnel from the Coast Guard. And the police defence was to ensure that all levels of public security are maintained, coordinated, and effectively policed. So I want to assure all voters, all Ians, that we are doing everything possible to maintain public security and public order,” Dr. Rosado added.

On the issue of alcohol consumption, which is prohibited on election day, the Deputy Commissioner noted that businesses and residents have largely been cooperative. While some instances of public drinking have been observed, officers have been quick to address them.

Voter in Mesopotamia Admits to Selling Vote

As Belizeans cast their ballots in the 2025 general elections, reports of vote-buying continue to surface. In an exclusive interview with News Five, one voter in the Mesopotamia division openly admitted to receiving money in exchange for his vote.

Speaking outside polling station number 14, the voter confirmed that this was his first time voting. When asked why he participated in the election, he stated bluntly, “I just come and collect and thing.”

He said he received $100 from both sides. “I dont know about anybody else but that is what thye have to do for me to come out and vote and try to get something. I just get a hundred from each party because i have to collect, as I said.”

He was unsure if other voters in the area had similar experiences. When questioned about whether he believed his vote held any significance beyond financial gain, he responded affirmatively, stating that people often ask for assistance and that this was one way to receive something in return.

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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Mark Usher Ambushed, Murdered upon Arrival at Home

We start tonight’s newscast with the disheartening news of a violent weekend in Belize City – one of the deadliest in recent memory. Three murders in the Old Capital have brought grief to three more families and tested the police’s capabilities. First, we have the details of the Saturday night murder of Mark Usher Junior, a resident of Faber’s Road Extension. This was followed by another murder on Sunday, which police believe is connected. Here’s the full report from News Five’s Marion Ali.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Thirty-three-year-old Mark Usher had just returned home after going out to buy food on Saturday night when he was tragically murdered. It seems his killer was waiting for him on a bicycle and ambushed him as he got out of his vehicle. Usher was shot on Jabiru Street, near the junction with Faber’s Road Extension. Police Commissioner Chester Williams shared the latest findings from the investigation.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“On Saturday night, police received information of shots fired in the Faber’s Road Extension area. Upon responding, they discovered one Mark Usher suffering from gunshot injuries. He was taken to the K.H.M.H., where he was admitted in a critical condition and a few hours later, he succumbed to his injuries. Police investigations so far have led to the arrest of an individual who has since been charged for the crime of murder in respect to the shooting death of Mark Usher.”

Twenty-six-year-old Andre Arthurs, a construction worker from Burrell Boom Village, has been charged with Usher’s murder. He was arraigned today and sent to Belize Central Prison. Arthurs appeared in court without a lawyer and is scheduled to return on May thirteenth. Usher’s murder is believed to be part of a long-standing feud between local street figures. However, Police Commissioner Chester Williams mentioned that they had no prior information indicating Usher’s life was in danger.

Chester Williams

“I personally know of no information where Mark Usher was under any threat. I did hear, though, that there was some issue reported to the police in respect to the tensions in the Faber’s Road Extension area and, L.I.U. was notified of that issue. I know for a fact that the police were trying to find the different players, whose names were called in the issue in that Faber’s Road area, but the players, upon having knowledge of the police seeking them, they seem to have gone into hiding and so the police could not have located them.”

Williams mentioned that if the police had found the feuding parties, they would have tried to calm things down through intervention. They believe Usher’s murder stemmed from this ongoing dispute.

Chester Williams

“That area has been an issue for some time now with tensions between the two groups that operate in that area and it is believed that his death is as a result of that issue between the two groups.”

No one we spoke to wanted to discuss Usher’s murder. He had been targeted the night before when a woman’s house in the area was shot up. A.C.P. Hilberto Romero addressed that incident today.

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Sunday, the ninth of March, police responded to a report of a shooting incident at Rio Bravo Crescent in Belize City. On the arrival, they found a woman, Yvonne Ellis, who reported that she was in front of her house when she saw a white van slow down in the area. Thereafter she saw a male person pull out a firearm and fired several shots towards her direction. She immediately took cover and called for police.”

Romero stated that Yvonne Ellis was unharmed in the incident. The police are searching for the vehicle involved but are unsure who the intended target was. Marion Ali for News Five.

Shooting Victims Crash into KHMH Building

On Sunday morning, three men were shot at while driving a pickup truck on the Phillip Goldson Highway. The driver, Joseph Garcia, was hit but managed to speed towards Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, which was nearby. Sadly, he died, and the vehicle crashed into the hospital’s exterior wall. The other two passengers, Ronlee Petillo and Shamar Faber, are still in the hospital. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

One man is dead, and another is in critical condition at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after a shooting on the Phillip Goldson Highway in Belize City. On Sunday morning, Joseph Garcia, Ronlee Petillo, and Shamar Faber were in an SUV when a gunman opened fire on them. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams mentioned that the men were being followed by passengers in a white car.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Ronlee Petillo and his group were coming from the area of Haulover Bridge into Belize City when they were followed by a white vehicle and a silver Forerunner and upon reaching the area of the flour mill the white vehicle overtook them and the occupants from that white car fired multiple shots at the vehicle Petillo and his group were in fatally injuring one person.”

Garcia was driving when they were attacked. He sped down the highway towards Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but lost consciousness and crashed into the hospital’s cafeteria. This shocking incident left employees stunned, as described by Chief Executive Officer Chandra Cansino.

Chandra Cansino, C.E.O., KHMHA

“They came straight to the hospital and because of the seriousness of the injuries the driver was unable to make it to the emergency unit. They drove straight into the building. Where you saw the truck is an actually the cafeteria. And so, thankfully there are no patients there, but we do have our staff there. So we were concerned both for them and the integrity of the building. So, we got someone to look at that. The integrity of the building was fine, we do have some major damages to the wall. So we closed down the cafeteria yesterday and gave the staff support.”

Garcia succumbed to the injuries he sustained. According to police, Petillo is in a stable condition, while Faber remains in a critical condition.

Chester Williams

“Mr. Petillo is admitted in a stable condition and contrary to what some media houses reported that he got shot in the neck and is critical, that is not true. He got a graze to the back of head and a shot in the hand and he is in good spirit and stable. The other person is in a critical condition and is in the ICU. We are hoping he will be able to pull through. So far we have been on the ground trying to view as much surveillance footage as we can. But since it was a holiday we were not able to get as much as we want to. Together the investigators were busy to put together the pieces to come to a determination as to who are responsible for that particular incident.”

This is not the first attempt on Petillo’s life. He has also had multiple run ins with the law. ComPol Williams says Garcia was an innocent passenger in the vehicle

Chester Williams

“The young man who died is certainly innocent. He is from Dangriga. He came up and took Petillo to the Max Borough area and because he was with Petillo he became a victim of those circumstances.”

Commissioner Williams praised the quick actions of the medical team at KHMH. He mentioned that the people in the vehicle made a smart move by racing to the hospital, as their attackers might have killed all three of them. In response to rising gang violence in the Old Capital, the hospital has increased its security measures.

Chandra Cansino

“We have a very prepared Accident and Emergency Unit which is not where the vehicle came unfortunately. But, even yesterday when the accident happened, personnel were here and took the victims straight to the emergency. We do have ramped up surveillance. We are working closely with the police. They actually have some police officers here as well. Our concern is for the safety of the patients and staff as a priority. We have ramped up our surveillance and security and working along with the police in that regard.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez