Attorneys Demand Prime Minister Disclose Election Date Amid Legal Challenge

A potential constitutional showdown is brewing as attorneys representing claimants in a legal challenge against the government demand advance notice of the Prime Minister’s decision to dissolve Parliament and call a general election.

Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, acting on behalf of Jeremy Enriquez, Rudolph Norales, and Jessica Tulcey, has formally requested that the Attorney General of Belize provide written notification at least five days before any official move to dissolve Parliament and set an election date. This request, outlined in a letter dated February 6, 2025, is aimed at ensuring that legal action can be taken to prevent elections from proceeding under what the claimants argue are illegally drawn electoral boundaries.

At the heart of the dispute is the claimants’ assertion that the current electoral divisions violate Section 90(1) of the Belize Constitution. They argue that proceeding with elections under these conditions would be unfair, irrational, and unconstitutional, effectively disenfranchising voters. Ramlogan’s letter warns that failure to address this issue before an election is called could result in lengthy litigation and even the potential invalidation of the electoral process.

The attorneys cite a 2019 case in which a similar request for interim relief was denied after Parliament had already been dissolved. They are determined to avoid a repeat of that situation by securing a commitment from the government in advance.

Ramlogan has given the Attorney General until 4:00 PM on February 7, 2025, to respond. If no undertaking is provided, he warns that an application for urgent interim relief will be filed to force the government to disclose its election timeline in advance.

In addition, the attorneys are seeking to expedite the broader constitutional challenge to ensure the matter is resolved before a general election is called. They have also asked the government to clarify legal representation for the Prime Minister, given that separate attorneys are representing the Attorney General, the Speaker of the House, and the Elections and Boundaries Commission.

The case has significant implications not just for the upcoming election but for Belize’s democratic reputation. The claimants argue that holding elections under unconstitutional conditions could lead to international scrutiny, legal disputes, and wasted public funds.

With the deadline for a government response fast approaching, all eyes are on whether the Attorney General will comply with the request or if the courts will be forced to step in to determine the fate of Belize’s electoral process.