Andre Perez Defeats Manuel Heredia in Belize Rural South  

The 2025 general elections are over, and the people of Belize have decided to keep the People’s United Party in power for another five years. Among the twenty-six seats won by the PUP is the Belize Rural South constituency, where Andre Perez emerged victorious. News Five’s Britney Gordon has all the details on this exciting race.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The race for the Belize Rural South constituency was intense, with four candidates battling it out to become the area representative. This year’s contenders included former area rep Manuel Heredia Jr. and Mahmoud Lagha, both of the UDP, Abner Bacab from the Belize Justice Movement, and incumbent PUP area rep, Andre Perez. Despite concerns that Heredia’s return might threaten the PUP; Perez emerged as the clear winner.

 

Anthony Mai, Returning Officer, Belize Rural South

“ Mr. Abner Bacab received one hundred and fifty-nine votes. Mr. Manuel Heredia Jr. received one thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight votes. Mr. Mahmoud Lagha received one hundred ten votes. And Mr. Andre Parez received three thousand, four hundred and eighteen votes.  And so I’d like to officially declare that Mr. Andre Perez has been elected by you all as the area representative for Belize Rural South.”

 

Candidates across the country noticed a low voter turnout. In Caye Caulker and San Pedro, the turnout was a moderate 56.82%. Perez mentioned that although the turnout was initially low, he was confident that his supporters would show up at the polls later in the day.

 

Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South

“It’s always good to be confident, right? But that does not mean we take things for granted especially when it comes to the campaign. What we want to talk about is the work that has been done in the last four years. It speaks for itself. I know that my people have seen it, and that I’ve kept the campaign at all times. This campaign didn’t start two, three weeks, it has been over the past four years.”

 

Abner Bacab previously ran in the municipal elections and returned for the general elections to provide residents with an alternative to the mass parties.

 

Abner Bacab, B.J.M. Candidate, Belize Rural South

“A lot of people that I see, they don’t want to vote. They say, you know what, I’m tired. I don’t believe. And the UDP or PUP, they are corrupt. They haven’t done anything for our people. They forget you. After the voting, until five years it came, they come to see you, no? So, I try to understand their pain, their cry, their sorrow, their desperation in what they’re saying, you know, and they’re, they’re right because they feel hurt. They haven’t seen any, any progress. So I take my time to explain to them many things that none of the campaigners from both parties are doing.”

 

Over  32%  of votes cast went to the U.D.P.’s Manuel Heredia. At the start of the day, he was confident that he’d be taking home the win.

 

Manuel Heredia, U.D.P. Candidate, Belize Rural South

“The poor people are suffering, they’re suffering, and those ones that used to open their mouth big when we were in power, like they put a zipper in their mouth, no. Now they can destroy the permit, they can destroy the bonefish, everything, and nobody says anything now. So, thanks God, that the people have seen it. And then  by tonight, before 12, I can guarantee you that Mr. Heredia, let’s not put colors, Mr. Heredia will be victorious.”

 

Between Caye Caulker and San Pedro, six thousand, six hundred and ninety-one ballots were cast with 57.27% in favor of the P.U.P.

 

Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South

“First of all, I want to thank everyone, the voters of Belize, but I also want to thank all those who have been working in the machinery all day. And not for many months now, right? The entire election machinery. I want to thank my family as well for the support that they give to me, right? But for the moment right now, it’s that I’m humbled.  The work has been done in the past four years. There’s much more work to do ahead in the next five years. The plan is set for Plan Belize 2.0. I’m committed. I’m inspired. I am motivated, and I also want to say I’m humbled for the people who believe in South Caye Caulker and San Pedro for giving me that opportunity to serve them a second time and be re elected. I’m truly grateful. Hasta la victoria.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.