On Friday, Devin Daly, the People’s United Party’s (P.U.P.) Standard Bearer for Collet, held a press briefing to formally introduce himself to the media and discuss his entry into the political arena. Daly, a proud native of Collet, emphasized his deep roots in the community and his commitment to personally connect with each voter throughout his campaign. Daly’s candidacy is seen as a strategic move by P.U.P. Leader John Briceño, who believes Daly will present a formidable challenge to the United Democratic Party’s (U.D.P.) incumbent, Patrick Faber. Briceño explained that the party took its time in selecting a candidate to ensure they found a strong contender capable of rivaling Faber’s established presence in the constituency.
John Briceño
John Briceño, Leader, People’s United Party
“We wanted to ensure that we have a winnable candidate. We didn’t want to just throw somebody in there to say we have thirty-one candidates. I set the timeline of the thirty-first of August. We’re looking hard to see how we can find somebody and we have a very good candidate. We have a very good candidate. And I think for the first time we have – the representative will have a very hard time now. We have a very good candidate against him.”
Seventy-four years ago, the first political party in British Honduras emerged, challenging colonial leaders on pressing issues of the time. That pioneering organization, the People’s United Party (P.U.P.), celebrated its seventy-fourth anniversary on Saturday in Belize City, under the leadership of Prime Minister John Briceño. As the world has evolved from 1950 to today, so has the P.U.P. However, Briceño emphasized that the party has steadfastly upheld its core values of fighting for social justice, equality, and improving the quality of life for all Belizeans. News Five’s Marion Ali brings us this report.
John Briceño
John Briceño, Leader, People’s United Party
“PUP, PUP, PUP. Que Viva el Partido Unido del Pueblo. God Bless you, thank you so much.”
Marion Ali, Reporting
With its delegates in attendance in Belize City on Saturday, the country’s oldest political party, the People’s United Party, celebrated its seventy-fourth anniversary. Complete with a birthday cake made with the party’s traditional blue and white, the National Party Council passed three resolutions during their meeting. One was in support of the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation address, and of the initiatives and policies outlined in the address. The second was in support of Belize’s celebration of thirty-five years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan and to further the bilateral relations. The third resolution was the endorsement of the party’s thirty-one standard bearers who will contest the next general elections. Unwavering and outstanding P.U.P. delegates with long membership and hailing from various constituencies were also recognized during the event. Deputy Party Leader, Cordel Hyde paid tribute to the awardees, recognizing that the party’s success is because of the service of people like them.
Cordel Hyde
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Party Leader, People’s United Party
“We would not be here without the people dehn weh work hard fi we. We are nothing without our committees, without our campaigners, without our street captains, without the people weh sacrifice dehn families fi walk the streets night and day fi we, soh we have to reward dehn. We have to acknowledge unu. We have to give unu weh unu deserve.”
Hyde spoke of the P.U.P.’s success in turning around the country’s finances since taking office in November 2020, when COVID had buckled the economy and left over sixty thousand people jobless, and the previous government had to borrow a million dollars a day to pay public officers’ salaries. He gave credit to his party leader, Prime Minister John Briceno, for turning thing’s around.
Cordel Hyde
“The IMF came and insisted to the Prime Minister, you have to fire three thousand teachers and public officers and you have to raise GST to nineteen percent. Yoh understand weh ah di tell unu? These were the absolute worst of times. We worked really hard and we did some incredible things because we have a prime minister who is a man to be reckoned with. We have a prime minister who history will record as one of the great ones because. He did not buckle. The man smiled at the first Cabinet Meeting when the Financial Secretary come tell wi that the world di end. He opened up the country in the middle of COVID, opened up the borders when all the experts were saying “You can’t do that.” He renegotiated the Super Bond and put that behind us forever and gave us the Blue Bond. He renegotiated the Petrocaribe Loan, and he raised the minimum wage to five dollars when the experts all around were saying “You can’t do that.”
In his speech, Briceño reminded the audience that the party was founded by giants who left their successors with a philosophy and the purpose of its formation in the first place.
John Briceño, Party Leader, People’s United Party
“We stand on the shoulders of those who left us with a philosophy or a P.U.P. creed that says we must work to build a Belizean society that is rooted in social justice, equality and defend the principle that this P.U.P. belongs to all of us. (applause) Now seventy-four years is not just a measure of time, my friends. It is the formation of the DNA of our party. It is seven decades of struggle, progress, and triumph over our enemies. Seventy-four years ago, a small group of visionaries came together, united by a common cause to chart a better way for the masses of Belizeans.”
At the end of the event, John Briceño, flanked by the thirty-one P.U.P. standard bearers and to the tune of the Happy Birthday song, cut the cake. And thereafter, he told the media that once the P.U.P. does not drift away from its core values and remains united, it should be around for many more years.
John Briceño, Leader, People’s United Party
“Despite [the fact] that we may have our differences, we always remember what the P.U.P. is all about, which is to serve the people, and I’ve been telling people over and over, once we keep that in mind, that’s what drives us to serve the people. I have every confidence that we’ll be able to keep it together and to be able to continue to get the support of the Belizean people.”
The United Democratic Party (UDP) commemorated its 51st anniversary with a celebration, marking over five decades of resilience, service, and growth. The event brought together party supporters to reflect on the UDP’s legacy and its contributions to Belize’s development.
The party’s leader, Moses Barrow, said, “The UDP has won the most General Elections in post Independence and we have done the most to develop Belize!…Belize has always been better served by UDP Governments.”
In a press release, the UDP paid tribute to the party’s founding leaders, including Philip Goldson of the National Independence Party (NIP), Dean Lindo of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Sir Manuel Esquivel of the Liberal Party, and former Prime Minister Dean Barrow of the UDP.
“We have within us the power to form the next Government of Belize once we stay focused and engaged with the people we want to serve! We shall continue to work hand in hand to strengthen and protect the Institution of the UDP so that the Party can elect many more Governments to develop Belize.”
The People’s United Party (PUP) gathered as a National Party Council at the St. Catherine Academy auditorium in Belize City to celebrate its 74th anniversary.
The event formally introduced the party’s 31 candidates.
Deputy Party Leader Cordel Hyde reflected on the party’s history and the resilience of past leaders. Hyde recounted the difficulties faced during the 2020 elections, stating, “When we won, we realised that something was wrong. We realised that we walked into the greatest trap ever, the worst of times ever. We were in the middle of COVID; 60,000 people were unemployed. 60,000 more were underemployed. The Government of Belize had to be borrowing a million dollars a day just to pay the salaries of teachers and public officers. The IMF came and insisted on the Prime Minister to fire 3,000 teachers and public officers and raise GST to 19%. These were the absolute worst of times. We could have turned over and played dead, throw up our hands, but that’s not us. This is the People’s United Party.” Hyde added the party’s biggest accomplishments under Briceño’s leadership, including opening borders, renegotiating loans, raising the minimum wage, and expanding the National Health Insurance program.
Following Hyde’s address, the Party Leader and Prime Minister John Briceño emphasised unity and the party’s dedication to serving the people. “74 years is not just a measure of time; it is the formation of the DNA of our party. It is seven decades of struggle, progress, and triumph,” said Briceño . He contrasted the party’s achievements with the ’13 years of corruption’ under the Barrow administration, saying, “What the UDP destoyed in 13 years of corruption, imcompetence, maliciousness, and spitefulness, we, the People’s United Party, have rebuilt in four years.” He added, “Today, I am grateful for the 31 of our leaders whose work has kept our party strong and have been helping us to buil d back Belize.”
Who do you think is the most popular politician in Belize? The Belize Poll 2024 sheds light on this question, drawing insights from a survey of 968 Belizean voters. This comprehensive poll delves into the nation’s political landscape, gauging residents’ satisfaction with life in Belize, their economic stability, and their views on corruption. Conducted by Viking Strategies between June 17 and August 6, 2024, this survey continues a tradition of political analysis in Belize that date back to 2010. News Five takes an in-depth look at the detailed seventy-eight-page findings. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The Belize Poll 2024 is a survey conducted by Viking Strategies that provides insight into Belize’s current state and citizens perspective. This year’s polls provide insight from two hundred random registered voters into the nation’s political landscape, life in Belize, the economic landscape, crime and governance. According to the results of the 2024 poll, crime remains a top concern for Belizeans. According to the poll, over thirty-three percent of Belizeans cited crime, specifically gang violence, as their primary issue. Three months ago, the Government of Belize instituted a State of Emergency to address this very issue.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“We have to do more; the public has to do more to work with us and I commented that the police department will continue to build relationships with the public to continue to see how together we can address the scourge of crime.”
The survey also cites declining economic confidence and persistent corruption as challenges Belizeans are facing. On the other hand, the current PUP administration has been praised by sixty-eight percent of the respondents for infrastructural improvements.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: March 4th, 2024)
“I remember our ministers in Cabinet were excited and anxious. They said we need to get work going immediately. I said, we can’t spend what we don’t have. So, we had to make sure we could fix the economy, make sure we can fix the collection of revenues and also see where we can get support.”
As for the economic situation in Belize, most of the respondents indicated that they have enough money to buy the necessities and extras to purchase other items, but they cannot afford major purchases like a car. Five years ago, these respondents were stating the opposite, which is that they had money to purchase food, but they were struggling to pay their utility bills. In his 2024 State of the Nation address, Prime Minister John Briceño reported a significant increase in GDP growth for Belize.
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Sept 17th, 2024 )
“Gross domestic production as of the end of 2023 has now surpassed six billion dollars, the highest level in the country’s history and in the first quarter of this year by another ten percent. And the condition for continued expansion is compelling.”
As for the public’s view on corruption in government, thirty percent of the respondents said that corruption is widespread, while the majority indicated that corruption is somewhat present. Notably, ahead of the 2020 general election, PM Briceño spoke as the then opposition leader about curbing corruption.
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Oct 6th, 2020)
“From within ourselves as a government, as leaders in government that we will do everything possible to curb corruption as best as we can. What I can tell you is that we cannot continue to run the government as it has been done under the U.D.P. We cannot continue plundering the treasury.”
The Belize Poll 2024 also set out to rank Belize’s politicians from the two major political parties, based on their favorability and popularity. In the faceoff between Prime Minister John Briceño and the Leader of the Opposition Moses “Shyne” Barrow, the poll reveals that both party leaders are well known. But PM Briceño is most favored among those polled. PM Briceno was also ranked as the most known politician in the country, though his favorability ranking stands at sixth out of thirty-six. Barrow came in as the second most known politician in Belize. His favorability ranking is, however, extremely poor, at thirty fourth out of thirty-six.
According to the poll, Cordel Hyde, the Area Representative for Lake Independence, took the top spot as most favored politician in Belize, followed by Kevin Bernard in second place, and Kareem Musa in third place. Tracy Panton stands at fourth place as the only U.D.P. politician in the top ten most favorable politician list. According to the poll, John Saldivar leads the list of least favorable politicians. He is closely followed by Gilroy Usher, the Area Representative for Port Loyola, and Michael Peyrefitte in third place. And if you are wondering where Patrick Faber stands in all of it, he is ranked as the third most known politician. He is sixth out of thirty-six on the favorability ranking. Looking at voters’ intentions for the 2025 general election, most respondents said that they might vote for the P.U.P. The second highest number of respondents indicated that they would vote for the P.U.P. The poll also measured voters’ intentions where the U.D.P. is concerned. The 2024 Belize Poll predicts a close victory for the People’s United Party in the upcoming election, with forty-one percent of the total ballots that will be cast. Will these figures withstand the test of time? It is anyone’s guess. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Just yesterday, Devin Daly, a dynamic twenty-nine-year-old, was officially endorsed as the People’s United Party Standard Bearer for Collet. Today, he passionately addressed the media to share his vision and reasons for stepping into the political arena. Daly emphasized that he is responding to a heartfelt call from the community for change. Despite facing a seasoned opponent who has secured victory in the last five elections, Daly is confident that his deep roots in Collet and his fresh perspective will resonate with the residents, making him their top choice in the upcoming general elections.
Devin Daly
Devin Daly, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Collet
“I was born in Collet, raised in Collet and my entire family is still in Collet.”
Marion Ali
Now you say people are asking for change, but the current Area Rep has been here since 2003 without change. “
Devin Daly
“Usually when you have water and you put hot water and put some fire underneath it, eventually it boils right over. So he’s there for a long time, and the people support for a long time, but complacency can be a very deadly thing. And I think that the people are showing that they’re tired and they don’t feel the representation. They feel that there’s a lack of political will and no lobbying being done by the Area Rep.”
Marion Ali
“So what is the change that you propose to bring?”
Devin Daly
“Cater to the young people, cater to the old people, but most of all, yesterday in my endorsement, I introduced my manifesto, and the manifesto was a blank piece of paper that just had “Collet” on it. So, the change that I’m bringing is the change that the people need. And we are committed to walking the streets, meeting every household, and ensuring that we fulfill our manifesto based on their needs and wants. One of my strategies coming into this is controlling what I can control. Some of the banners and some of the flags that are up were probably up from about six years ago. and we’re not necessarily worrying about his camp. You know, we’re worrying about us and we’re worrying about what we can deliver to the people, and I believe that the representation that I can bring, and my team can bring you know, will definitely give us a fair chance at you know, an upset.”
Patrick Faber, a tough political rival, has been an impossible challenge thus far. However, Devin Daly maintains that his dedication to Collet goes beyond the upcoming general elections, setting him apart from previous P.U.P. candidates who lost steam after their electoral battles. Despite being a newcomer compared to the seasoned Faber, Daly exudes confidence in his chances. Demonstrating his unwavering commitment, Daly revealed that he resigned from his full-time managerial position at the Belize City Council to fully dedicate himself to his campaign in Collet.
Devin Daly
Devin Daly, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Collet
“In the past you’ve had persons who have come in and closed the gap and after that, just get exhausted and maybe move on to different opportunities, but I’m committing myself to not just this term, you know, till after that too. This is my first dance into politics and so I will not give this mighty speech that I know it all, but I’m relying on senior party men and the community members to lead me. We have an existing executive who’ve been working very hard.”
Reporter
“So for those who don’t know you, who is Devin Daly?”
Devin Daly
“Okay, Devin Daly is a homegrown athlete, who has a lot of intangibles to bring to the table, teamwork, I know problem solving, camaraderie, all those stuff to kind of help bring our community together. What better way to enter into a competition, you know, than taking on someone like the Area Rep for Collet currently. I believe I have the necessary exposure, and I believe that I have the necessary soft skills to liaison with people.”
The survey was conducted by Vikings Strategies LLC.
This analysis covers election data in Belize from 1998 through 2020, highlighting voting patterns and trends across constituencies. For each constituency, these were examined:
Historical Voting Trends – A review of past election results.
2020 Election Results – Analysis of the winning party and voting margins.
UDP’s Current Potential – Based on the Belize 2024 Survey, the United Democratic Party (UDP) is projected to secure 42%-44% of the national vote, slightly improving from 37% in 2020.
Probability and Regression Models – We applied statistical models (linear, non-linear, Huber regression, and probability analysis) to estimate each constituency’s likelihood of leaning toward the UDP or People’s United Party (PUP). These models classify constituencies as Safe UDP, Likely UDP, Lean UDP, Toss-up, Lean PUP, Likely PUP, or Safe PUP, depending on current polling.
Explanation of Models
1. Linear Model
This model assumes a consistent relationship between the national vote share and local results. For instance, in Cayo North, if the UDP wins 50% nationally, the model predicts 50.8% in that constituency. However, it may oversimplify real-world dynamics where local factors differ from national trends.
2. Non-Linear Model
This model captures more complex relationships where changes in national vote share don’t lead to proportional changes locally. In Cayo North, a national vote share increase from 50% to 52.5% may lead to a disproportionate local rise from 47.2% to 53.4%, showing that national performance can have outsized effects in certain constituencies.
3. Huber Regression Model
The Huber model adjusts for outliers (e.g., unique candidate popularity, local scandals) and is robust in cases where local results deviate from national trends. For Cayo North, if the UDP receives 50% nationally, the Huber model predicts 50.9% locally, accounting for local dynamics while controlling for extreme deviations.
4. Probability Analysis
This model estimates the likelihood of the UDP winning a constituency based on polling and past results. For instance, the UDP needs at least 49.9% of the national vote for a 50% chance of winning Cayo North. Currently, with national support between 42% and 44%, the UDP’s chance of winning the area is around 40.2% to 41.6%.
UDP’s Prospects in the 2024 Elections
Viking Strategies’ annual Belize Survey reveals shifting political dynamics. The 2024 survey, with a sample size of 968 and a ±3.21% margin of error, highlights key challenges for both the UDP and PUP.
– Definite Support: 9% of voters strongly back the UDP, with 38% open to the party. Comparatively, 18% of voters are firmly behind the PUP, with an additional 40% considering them.
– Potential National Support**: The UDP’s support is projected between 41.6% and 43.7%, suggesting they are competitive but still face challenges.
Survey Data and Modeling Application
Using survey data and Huber models, the analysis projects potential election outcomes. With the UDP polling between 42% and 44%:
– At 42% national support, the UDP is expected to win 5 seats, with 4 additional seats in contention.
– At 44% support, they may secure 6 seats, with competitive odds in 8 more constituencies.
Constituency-Level Analysis
This section includes detailed narratives and graphs for each constituency, using Huber regression and probability models to assess the likelihood of the UDP securing victories. All data is sourced from the Belizean Elections and Boundaries Commission.
The political landscape of Belize is currently characterised by a strong dominance of the People’s United Party (PUP), with various constituencies reflecting a significant shift in voter preferences. This is what a recently published poll by Viking Strategies LLC, which provides clients worldwide with customised sovereign political risk and public affairs solutions, shows.
The findings point out that traditionally UDP strongholds like Caribbean Shores and Pickstock have turned in favour of the PUP, highlighting a potential seismic change in political allegiances. The PUP’s grip is further solidified by overwhelming support in constituencies such as Lake Independence, where they captured an impressive 89.4% of the vote in 2020. Meanwhile, the UDP’s prospects appear bleak, especially in urban areas where the margins have narrowed. However, the analysis indicates that several competitive toss-up seats, like Albert and Belize Rural North, remain within reach for the UDP, contingent upon improvements in their national polling. As the political dynamics evolve, the upcoming elections could present pivotal opportunities for both parties.
Key Findings:
Constituency Analysis Overview
The analysis of various constituencies reveals significant political trends in Belize, particularly regarding the stronghold of the People’s United Party (PUP) and the challenges faced by the United Democratic Party (UDP).
Caribbean Shores has seen a notable shift since the UDP held the seat in 2008 and 2012; it flipped to the PUP in 2015 and was retained by them in 2020. Kareem Musa of the PUP won with 58.9% of the vote in 2020, and projections suggest that unless the UDP improves local support significantly, this seat is likely to remain in PUP hands.
In Pickstock, traditionally a UDP stronghold, the PUP candidate Anthony Robert Mahler secured 78.3% of the vote in 2020. Given the UDP’s low chance of reclaiming this seat, it is rated as a safe PUP seat.
Fort George is another long-standing PUP seat, where Henry Charles Usher continued the trend with a comfortable win of 63.8% in 2020, making it a safe PUP seat as well. Albert has been more competitive, with the UDP narrowly winning by 50.2% to 48.6% in 2020, categorised as a toss-up that could shift based on national polling improvements.
Queen’s Square remains a strong UDP area, with the party winning 55.6% of the vote in 2020, suggesting it is a safe seat for the UDP. Similarly, Mesopotamia retains UDP support with 53.1% of the vote, but tighter margins could emerge depending on national polling.
Lake Independence saw overwhelming PUP support with 89.4% of the vote in 2020, firmly categorising it as a safe PUP seat. In Collet, the UDP secured 60.4% of the vote, remaining the favourite here, though challenges could arise with shifts in national polling.
In Port Loyola, the PUP took the seat with 57.7% in 2020, indicating a lean PUP rating, while Freetown has shown increasing margins for the PUP, suggesting it is likely to remain a PUP seat unless significant changes occur.
Belize Rural North has swung between the PUP and UDP, with Marconi Leal of the PUP winning 57.3% in 2020, positioning it as a competitive toss-up for the next election. Conversely, in Belize Rural South, although the UDP has historical strength, the PUP’s Andre Perez narrowly won with 63.0% in 2020, leaning the seat slightly toward the PUP. Belize Rural Central remains competitive, with the PUP’s Dolores Balderamos Garcia winning 57.2% of the vote, making it a toss-up.
In Orange Walk East, the PUP secured 54.3% of the vote, indicating it remains a stronghold for the party. Similarly, Orange Walk North saw the PUP’s Ramon Cervantes win with 56.1%, suggesting that unless the UDP improves its position significantly, this seat is likely to stay with the PUP.
Cayo North has fluctuated between the parties, but the PUP’s Michael Chebat won with 56.1% in 2020, indicating lean PUP status. In contrast, Cayo South has been a consistent PUP seat, with Julius Espat winning 77.4% of the vote in 2020, securing it as a safe PUP seat. In Cayo West, the UDP retained the seat by a narrow margin of 50.6%, making it likely to remain with the UDP. Cayo North East, however, saw the PUP’s Orlando Habet win with 62.9%, leaning the seat toward the PUP. In 2020, Alex Balona of the PUP garnered 55.2% of the voters. This seat is leaning for the
Belmopan has been a competitive battleground, with the PUP winning 60.1% in 2020, suggesting it could go either way in the next election.
In Corozal Bay, the PUP’s Elvia Vega-Samos won with 53.7%, indicating a strong PUP position, while Corozal North remains competitive, with the UDP’s Hugo Patt holding the seat by 56.5%. Corozal South East and Corozal South West are both rated as safe and leaning PUP, respectively, following their wins in 2020.
In Stann Creek West, Rodwell Ferguson has maintained a stronghold for the PUP with 63.3% in 2020, indicating it is a safe seat. Similarly, Dangriga has leaned toward the PUP, with Louis “Dr. Zab” Zabaneh winning 61.7% in 2020, making it likely to remain with the PUP. Both Toledo East and Toledo West have shown consistent PUP support, with victories of 61.1% and 61.3%, respectively, confirming their safe PUP status.
The report finds that the UDP is expected to improve its 2020 performance. It also indicates that a majority of constituencies remain strongholds for the PUP. The probability analysis shows that, although the UDP could narrow margins in several areas, flipping heavily PUP-leaning constituencies is unlikely. However, competitive seats, particularly in urban areas, may shift depending on the dynamics of the upcoming campaign and voter turnout levels. If the UDP can raise its national polling to the 42%-44% range, it might secure 6 to 7 seats, with a few more leaning in its direction. With a closer performance to 44%, the UDP could potentially gain an additional 2 to 3 toss-up seats, totalling between 10 and 13 seats. Conversely, falling below 40% could lead to the UDP retaining only the five seats they currently hold or losing further down to 3 or 4 seats after the elections.
What’s the likelihood of the U.D.P. emerging victorious in the next general elections and how many seats can the embattled party clinch during the upcoming exercise? A recent survey conducted by Viking Strategies sets out to determine the potential of the United Democratic Party based on a recent survey. While the U.D.P. was soundly defeated at the polls in 2020, the results of the survey indicate that the party can expect a national vote share of forty-two to forty-four percent. This was also determined using election data in Belize from 2008, 2012, 2015 and 2020. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with that story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) is currently navigating through one of the most tumultuous periods in its illustrious history. Internal strife and unprecedented discord have left the party more fractured than ever before. The rift between the Alliance for Democracy and the U.D.P. leadership has deepened, primarily due to conflicting interpretations of the party’s constitution. Amidst this latest wave of disputes, a new analysis has emerged, shedding light on the U.D.P.’s prospects as the 2025 general election approaches. An analysis of all thirty-one constituencies was recently conducted by Viking Strategies, using the results of a survey carried out with Belizean voters. Of the ten seats available in Belize City, only four are likely to go red, including Albert, which is described, based on probability models, as a toss-up. In that division, incumbent area representative Tracy Panton is being challenged by P.U.P. councilor Kaya Cattouse. Since tossing her hat into the political arena, Cattouse has hit the ground running.
Kaya Cattouse
Kaya Cattouse, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Albert (File: September 19th, 2024)
“The feedback has been very good. I mean, people want a change, they want a young, dynamic leader who is coming in to work for them and coming in from the local government level, they have seen the work that I have been doing, not only in Albert constituency but across the city. And now, to be zoning in only on that one constituency, I mean, it means a lot to them and it means a lot to me.”
Historically, Albert has been a more competitive constituency. In the 2012, 2015 and 2020 general elections, the United Democratic Party has held on to the seat, but the P.U.P. has been making inroads. In 2020, the U.D.P. won by a narrow margin. Going into 2025, with a seemingly formidable opponent, Albert remains a tossup.
Tracy Panton
Tracy Panton, Area Representative, Albert (File: September 11th, 2024)
“I respect the fact that Ms. Cattouse has offered herself as a candidate, it’s good to see young women and women seek political leadership. So I applaud her on that decision. We don’t take any opponent lightly, we’ve never have taken an opponent lightly. We’ve never made broad and sweeping statements against an opponent. We know what our job is and our is to serve the people and when you serve the people, the people support you. That has been my experience and we don’t intend to change our strategy because it has worked and it has worked very well for my campaign and we’ll continue to do so.”
With Panton ousted from the U.D.P., all eyes are on who will step up as the new standard bearer for the opposition. Despite her expulsion, Panton insists she remains a loyal member of the U.D.P. In Port Loyola, the United Democratic Party lost its grip to the P.U.P., who secured the seat with a commanding 57.7% of the vote in the 2020 general election. Recent surveys suggest that while the U.D.P. has a chance to gain ground, the odds still favor the incumbent. Nonetheless, former Area Representative Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez is once again in the picture.
Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez
Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez, U.D.P. Standard Bearer, Port Loyola (File: August 22nd, 2024)
“It’s from the request of the people of Port Loyola who asked me to hold the mantle, at least because they want a good area representative. And so, for me, I am a creature of instruction and as a creature of instruction, you follow the people. I am the candidate, so I am touching back base with the people because one thing yoh could seh yoh opinion about Boots Martinez is another thing, but every man, woman, pickni, dehn dog, dehn cat, know who is Boots Martinez.”
Collet continues to be a bastion for the U.D.P., with Patrick Faber firmly entrenched as the area’s representative. However, recent probability analyses suggest that this stronghold could be tested if national polling trends increasingly favor the P.U.P. Adding to the political intrigue, Devin Daly has thrown his hat into the ring, declaring his candidacy for the People’s United Party. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
