United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for Belmopan, John Saldivar, has expressed confidence in his campaign despite reports of a lower-than-expected voter turnout in the division.
Speaking with News Five, Saldivar acknowledged that while a low turnout is not typical for Belmopan, it often does not favor the incumbent, as it may indicate a lack of mobilization among their supporters. However, he stated that the UDP’s numbers remained strong and that he was optimistic about the final results.
Saldivar said he was satisfied with the UDP’s electoral machinery in Belmopan, noting that they were holding steady against the People’s United Party (PUP).
“We feel very good. When we look at the numbers vis-a-vis the PUP, we are doing pretty well,” he said.
Saldivar highlighted social and infrastructure concerns as the main issues raised by voters. He pointed to what he described as a deterioration of infrastructure in Belmopan over the past four years, contrasting it with his tenure in government when, according to him, over $40 million was invested in the city’s roads and other developments.
“The people of Belmopan are very concerned about the rapid deterioration of the infrastructure,” he stated. When asked whether the internal divisions within the UDP have impacted support in Belmopan, Saldivar dismissed concerns, asserting that voters in the division remained clear on who represents the party.
“I don’t think it affects us much here in Belmopan. Voters know very well who has been representing the UDP,” he said.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
On Wednesday, registered voters will head to their polling stations to cast their ballots for their favorite candidates in the general election. Polls will be open from seven a.m. to six p.m. Since the election date was announced, News Five has been giving you an in-depth look at the candidates in all thirty-one constituencies. Tonight, as we wrap up this part of our coverage, we bring you the final close-up with the candidates from the Toledo District. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with the report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Often called the forgotten district, Toledo’s voters will make their voices heard on Wednesday as they choose their representatives for the House of Representatives. They will vote in the Toledo East and Toledo West constituencies. In Toledo East, three candidates are competing. The incumbent, Dr. Osmond Martinez of the PUP, was elected last July to replace the late Mike Espat. He shared with us what he has accomplished since then.
Osmond Martinez
Dr. Osmond Martinez, P.U.P Candidate, Toledo East
“We managed to pave so many streets in Punta Gorda, a few villages that didn’t have water now have water. For example, Midway, Machakilha, other villages that didn’t have electricity, such as Corazon now have electricity, San Lucas, San Lucky Strike. In Punta Gorda we also managed to do a lot in terms of fixing up, just rehabilitating those roads that are on the outskirts of Punta Gorda. And then in Bella Vista, there has been a lot of work right now being done in terms of infrastructure road work. Trio, Bladen – in Bladen we managed to secure, through Fyfes, half a million dollars to build a preschool and a primary school. That is almost being completed. We also managed to secure some funding for a kitchen in San Isidro. We managed to do a lot in six months.”
Wil Maheia, representing the People’s Nation Party, is challenging Martinez. Although he’s run in several elections before, Maheia believes he has the constituents’ support this time. He also credits his activism for bringing about specific security measures at the Sarstoon.
Wil Maheia
Wil Maheia, P.N.P. Candidate, Toledo East
“They are telling me “This is your turn. This is your chance now. The opportunity is there. We know that you have the stamina. You’ve been at it from 2007. Now we’re 2024, hey, we’re gonna give you a chance. We feel really good. We feel confident. Your record speaks for itself. You’ve always championed the Sarstoon. There’s a million-dollar Forward Operating Base there now. You’re not even in government and because of your advocacy that is done. The one at Hunting Caye, I’m the one who championed for that to happen. So you could see that I could work across party lines. And the one that at Hunting Caye was built during the Barrow administration. The one at Sarstoon was built during the Briceño administration.”
For the past fifteen years, the P.N.P. has been around, and at one time, Maheia chose to run in the Fort George Division in Belize City. He clarified that he did not leave the people of Toledo East behind but wanted to demonstrate the importance of redistricting, to balance out areas like Fort George, which is much smaller than Toledo East. Meanwhile, Orlando Muschamp is running as an independent candidate in Toledo East, focusing on improving roads, supporting welfare and social programs for the elderly, and enhancing healthcare.
Orlando Muschamp
Orlando Muschamp, Independent Candidate Toledo East
“We’re doing bad in Punta Gorda especially when it comes to infrastructure and economic development. Our people are barely putting a plate of food on their table today because of the high costs, the high cost of food. They said that they saved the Belizean dollar; we did not go two to one, but yet we went three to onein the stores where the high cost of food is very high.”
Marion Ali
“You were invited to a debate to take part as a candidate on the head panel, but you reached late and then you joined the audience, and instead of subjecting yourself to being questioned, you questioned the other candidates. How do you do that?”
Orlando Muschamp
“Strategy.”
Marion Ali
“But people wanted to hear from you.”
Orlando Muschamp
”They did hear from me because the concern is I’m fighting for the people of Punta Guerra who are lack of the lack of the promises they made in 1. 0.”
Marion Ali
“ But you weren’t a part of the debate.”
Orlando Muschamp
“But the point is myself and Mr. Majeia have been fighting for Toledo and Punta Gorda and all the citizens of Punta Gorda know that, not only on election time, from time to time. Every day we wake up, we see something wrong, we cry, we cry, we cry until we get the government to do it.”
Over in Toledo West, there are two candidates. Oscar Requena has been the area representative since 2012.
Oscar Requena
Oscar Requena, P.U.P. Candidate, Toledo West
“We need to continue work on expanding education; certainly, in improving health. We also want to look at infrastructure because infrastructure continues to be a challenge because our communities are growing. We have done a lot of work in infrastructure, but the villages are expanding, so they are asking for farmers’ roads, they’re asking for additional streets, but we have done a lot of work in those areas, similarly with education. For the first time we now have total free education for the high school level.”
Alfonso Sanchez Junior is challenging Requena, with Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow leading his campaign. Sanchez Junior is passionate about boosting rural development.
Alfonso Sanchez Jr.
Alfonso Sanchez Jr., U.D.P Candidate, Toledo West
“Toledo West has twenty-eight villages, and I would say that there are many in need when it comes to infrastructure, especially when it comes to our farmers. We depend heavily on farming, and of course, access is very important. So providing that access and improving the farm and feeder roads would certainly be a priority for us here across the Toledo West constituency; and of course, besides that, infrastructure as well. When it rains, it rains a lot and of course, access the remote communities, for example, San Benito Poite, Santa Teresa and the bridges that flood in that area – in Blue Creek and, of course, also in San Pedro, Colombia, there’s a bridge that certainly needs renovation and rebuilding. So these are some of the infrastructure developments that are very much needed for access of our people, you know, to be able to reach out to their communities.”
