Tonight, Prime Minister John Briceño is celebrating victory in eight municipalities, following Wednesday’s municipal elections. He says that the results at the polls indicate that Belizeans continue to support Plan Belize. PM Briceño thanked voters for coming out to exercise their democratic right. So, will Prime Minister Briceño call the general elections early? Here is what he told us.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Certainly I think I need to start by that I am humbled by the results. I was quite optimistic. I was out campaigning across the country and I was feeling, you have a sixth sense after a while, and I felt that we were going to win and that we were going to do well. What I didn’t not expect was to do so well. The margin increase is almost unprecedented, to hear that after four years in government that your approval ratings usually ninety nine out of a hundred you are starting to go down. IN this case we improved the approval ratings by the people because we won by an even bigger margin than what we did in 2020 and 2021, so I am humbled by that, but at the same time it comes at a great responsibility because it means that the people are going to expect even more work from us. And it is something we take seriously and we expect to continue to work very hard to be able to deliver to the Belizean people.”
Reporter
“With the success of municipals elections, will this prompt you to call early elections.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“No, we are not going to call elections. Elections is slated for 2025 and so no there is going to be no elections in 2024.”
The data from polling stations across the country from Wednesday reveals that voter turnout among the youth demographic was significantly low. Prime Minister Briceño was asked if the figures are a sign that youths are disenchanted with both major political parties and are not buying into their ideals. He responded by saying that the voter turnout among youths has consistently been low.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Let me put it this way that has always been the case. All the time, because young people in many instances they are not thinking about a mortgage or what we are doing. They are concentrated in school work, their social life or concentrated in getting settled in their work. That has been not only in Belize but all over the world. It takes time for young people to really start to get engaged. Even my sons who live in apolitical family, they go to vote and support the PUP, of course they support me, but they would not be keen in discussing what government is doing unless there is something to say ok well hey dad is this true. That is normal everywhere, when you see the numbers start to go up, when you see they hit thirty and above you see people start to become more concerned about the government, because now they have a family, they have to make sure their children could go to school, make sure we have hospitals, they can get scholarships, that they could get a decent jobs, making sure the government is not wasting their money, increasing taxes, these are the things that happen as we become and adult and that is normal everywhere. Orange Walk Town had one of the highest; almost sixty four percent of people turnout, but the point is that our people came out to vote. It is the opposition; their supporters are disheartened they do not like what they are seeing in their party so they chose not to come out. If they do not want to come out that is not my problem, t hat is their problem. My challenge is to ensure that our people come out and vote and our people came out in record numbers to support the PUP government.”
The People’s United Party is also celebrating victory in Belmopan. This is the second consecutive municipal elections in the Capital City that the P.U.P. has secured. Only this time around, the results reveal that the United Democratic Party has made some gains in that municipality when compared to the March 2021 results. PM Briceño was asked if P.U.P. Area Representative Oscar Mira should be concerned about John Saldivar’s candidacy in Belmopan for the 2025 general elections, given the figures.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Well if that is the case we also in Orange Walk we also lost some ground because the last time we won about eighty-five percent and this time we won by about eighty-three percent. I think that it is much ado about nothing. Belmopan we won convincingly and that is what was important. Also, to make the point that when it comes to Mr. Saldivar, I think that he was probably a part of the reason why the people rejected the UDP candidate here in Belmopan, because he made this a referendum on him. And, he got, now I think he knows exactly what the people of Belmopan think about him, that his days are over and he needs to try and find a job, because the people do not want his kind of leadership. I believe that Mr. Cawich will do an excellent job as mayor. He is not combative. He is humble, hard working and liked by everyone. He will be reaching out to everyone and he immediately demonstrated that when he reached out to the area representative because it was no secret that the area representative was inclined to support another candidate. They put that aside and decided to work, so we saw the results of that partnership.”
As we told you last night, Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow is of the view that the People’s United Party won in eight municipalities because of foreign government interference and electioneering. Well, PM Briceño says Barrow needs to look in the mirror and evaluate his own leadership. He also says that Barrow’s leadership is proving to be an asset to the P.U.P.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I have no idea what he is talking about on both instances, on both accusations that he has made. Probably he is talking about the former government that use to use openly government resources and funds on election day. We were very clear that nobody should use a government vehicle throughout the entire campaign. You need to use your own vehicle, go on your own time, pay your own expenses, the people that were around me campaigning I would pay for political work. I think that the leader of opposition needs to start off by looking in the mirror and taking a hard look and look at where he is going wrong and look at what he can do to make those changes. And if you are not prepared to do that you are bound to make those same mistakes but who am I to advice him. I would love for him to continue his ways, we are very happy with that. Let’s keep him where he is. He is one of our best assets. It doesn’t matter who is the leader of the UDP. We depend on the work we are doing. I think we are doing very well, when you look at the World Bank report, the IMF report, both of them are glowing reports on the work we are doing. This work we did on our own, we did not follow the usual formula that the IMD would give and the World Bank in cutting cost and expenses and firing people and raising taxes. We did it the right way, working with the Belizean people, inspiring confidence, working with the economy, growing the economy, opening up opportunities, working with public officers to make sure that we can prove the necessary service for our people, continue the social programs. So it does not matter who is the leader of the opposition. Shyne wants to be there, let us put it this way, I will not object.”
One municipality the People’s United Party is not celebrating in is San Ignacio, Santa Elena. In that municipality, the United Democratic Party won most of the seats that were up for grabs, except for one. This afternoon, Mayor Earl Trapp and his councilors were officially sworn in. Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow was present, along with Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber and former U.D.P. Mayor, Darrel Bradley. When we asked Prime Minister Briceño about the results, he said that he was disappointed. He believes that the P.U.P.’s area representatives in those towns should spend more time on the ground with their constituents.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I must admit that I was very disappointed with the results in San Ignacio, Santa Elena because I believe we had a very good team. When you look at somebody like Mathew Preston, very young, dynamic man that had offered himself up for public service, I was disappointed but at the same time it gives us a chance to look in the mirror and see where we are going wrong and what we are doing well and make those corrections. In particular Minister Chebat and Habet can have that opportunity to take a hard look and see what changes they need to do. It is not necessarily about the machinery because they took out the voters but it seems the voters were probably sending them a subtle message that they need to do more work or spend more time in their constituencies. I try to remind ministers at all times your primary job si to be an area representative. Like I always tell everybody, I never forget that I can only be prime minister because the people of Orange Walk central continue to support me. So maybe it is a good message to them, a timely won, better you get the message now and make the changes that.”
The People’s United Party remains on top after steamrolling all political opponents, including the United Democratic Party which it soundly defeated during the municipal elections on Wednesday. Tonight, we’ll begin with a recap of what transpired across the country on election day and how the blue machine overwhelmed the U.D.P. across all cities and towns with the exception of San Ignacio/Santa Elena. We’ll also show you what the Opposition Leader says following the stunning loss at the polls. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano to begin our post election coverage.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The opposition, as well as all third parties and independent candidates, was walloped at the polls on Wednesday by the People’s United Party. In hindsight, this bold prediction, initially made on Nomination Day by Party Leader Shyne Barrow, will likely go down in history as egg on his face.
Isani Cayetano
“What is your confidence on the ground, in terms of the municipal slates across all nine cities and towns.”
Shyne Barrow
Shyne Barrow, Leader, United Democratic Party (File: February 21st, 2024)
“I want the Belizean people to see, with all humility, this is my projection. Nine, nine municipalities and it is not farfetched. There was a time where the United Democratic Party administered all nine municipality and no municipality was out of reach.”
Despite its best efforts, the United Democratic Party was trounced in Belize City, one of the most hotly contested municipalities in the country. By the time the ballots were being counted, halfway through the process, the PUP had already claimed victory over the Old Capital.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Returning Mayor, Belize City
“I always have to say thank you to the people of Belize City and I also have to thank God, he has been the person behind me. I have to thank my family, I have to thank all the people of Belize City. But clearly, some of the indicators, essentially, are really significant from some of the key polling areas, constituencies of Lake-I, Pickstock, Freetown, Caribbean Shores. Clearly those numbers that we are seeing and are being forwarded to myself, we’re looking, pretty, pretty good.”
A total of four hundred and fifty-two thousand, seventy-three ballots were cast during yesterday’s elections in Belize City. Of that amount, roughly sixty-three percent of votes were in favor of the ruling People’s United Party. For the UDP, things got off to a slow start and ended in much the same way.
Nelma Jones Mortis
Dr. Nelma Jones Mortis, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belize City
“If you notice, I think, thus far, when I checked, I think about three hundred and twenty of our pledges have cast their vote. Each standard bearer is responsible for their constituency and for bringing out the vote. We collaborate with them, in terms of when people approach us, we pass it on to the standard bearers. So each standard bearer has their machinery set up.”
It’s the same approach that was employed by the P.U.P. area representatives. In Freetown, Francis Fonseca was able to secure seventy-six percent of the twenty thousand, eight hundred and five votes. In contrast, the UDP only had four thousand, two hundred and seven votes, or roughly twenty percent of that total.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Area Representative, Freetown
“So we have a very experienced team in Freetown and so we have a very clear plan. So today has been all about executing that plan. You know, we’ve been campaigning with the team with Mayor Wagner and the city council team over the past few months, since the start of the year, and the campaign has been very good. They’ve been warmly received in Freetown, both in Belama and here in King’s Park.”
Taken as a whole, the turnout in Belize City, as in other municipalities, was lower than expected.
Alisha Craig
Alisha Craig, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City
“I wish it was higher. I just checked the polls and they say it’s only about nine thousand out of thirty thousand. So, you know, that’s not really good, but maybe it’s a good sign as well. Like I said, that’s where the machinery, getting your taxis and everything in place to get out your voters. I think that’s what’s going to decide who wins the elections.”
Dr. Nelma Mortis
“ I was a bit disappointed in the low voters turnout, but I walked in confidence and I walked in confidence because I have put in the work and I have shared my vision and it’s up to the workers to decide who or what they expect for Belize City. And so, I did my best. I’ll be Nelma Mortis tomorrow, the same Nelma Mortis tomorrow.”
On the other hand, despite a low voter turnout, Eluide Miller was optimistic and remained so for the duration of the voting process, as well as the counting later in the evening.
Eluide Miller
Eluide Miller, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City
“I’m feeling very excited seeing our residents flowing in to cast their votes. It’s a really beautiful moment and so we’ve been working very hard over the past couple weeks, past couple months and so it all comes down to today. Today is what matters most. I am very excited and yeah, I’m happy.”
Ultimately, returning mayor Bernard Wagner has secured a third term in office, along with his team of ten councilors, five of whom are carrying over from the previous Belize City Council.
Isani Cayetano
“It’s rare that we see, if perhaps not the first time that we’re seeing someone go for three consecutive terms in municipal office.”
Bernard Wagner
“I am telling you it’s overwhelming for me, personally. Really overwhelming. When I started in 2018, I could never conceive in my own mind that at some point in time I would be grappling with the idea of being a three-term mayor. But I believe in the will of the people and clearly the people in Belize City have spoken resoundingly again. And so, we are really excited to be able to serve the people again.”
The entire People’s United Party’s slate won convincingly in the City of Belmopan. This is the second straight municipal victory for the P.U.P. in the Capital City. In a municipality with ten thousand registered voters, fifty-five percent showed up to cast their ballots. That is a two percent increase from the 2021 municipal elections voters’ turnout. But unlike past years, the majority of those registered voters were from Belmopan East, where both Mayor Elect Pablo Cawich and Area Representative Oscar Mira reside. This is also the second consecutive loss for Jacklyn Burns as the United Democratic Party’s mayoral candidate in Belmopan. News Five’s Paul Lopez was in the Garden City. He filed the following report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Belmopan voters began streaming into their respective polling stations as early as seven a.m. when the polls were opened. Between seven and eight a.m., a total of five hundred and seventy-nine voters had already cast their ballots. We spoke with a few voters to get a sense of their thought process going into the polling stations.
Jasmine Rhamdas
Jasmine Rhamdas, Belmopan Voter
“I look for someone like myself, a leader, someone that goes out and work for us, I don’t want anyone to think about themselves. Because being mayor or councilor we need you guys to step up and work for the community.”
Christopher Broaster
Christopher Broaster, Belmopan Voter
“Election time is one of those important time of the year where we come out to make our voices be heard and to put in the people that we believe will help move our area forward you know.”
Both political camps had their machineries on the ground working. And if the number of political shirts on each side was a foreshadowing of how the day would end, the People’s United Party would have won at the start of the elections. But, the polls were still open and both slates remained confident of a victory.
Chris Enriquez
Chris Enriquez, P.U.P. Councilor Elect, Belmopan
“I think our supporters are coming out. So far like I said this morning was a bit slow but it is starting to pick up. This afternoon we are going to see majority of our supporters are out. We are confident and we are just going to wait until the results are out.”
Jacklyn Burns
Jacklyn Burns, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan
“You know when you do your homework you are confident in the grade you are going to get. I have done my homework. I have walked in many house as I could. Now it is just to get our voters out to cast their votes.”
The lowest number of voter turnout was between twelve and one p.m., but those numbers began to increase throughout the afternoon. And by five p.m. more than four thousand Belmopan voters had already cast their votes.
Pablo Cawich
Pablo Cawich, P.U.P. Mayor Elect, Belmopan
“The day in my view went very well. The machinery executed what it had to do and in our view this victory has been sealed.”
Jacklyn Burns
“You know when you do your homework you don’t get scared when the teacher asked the tough questions. I am like eight-five percent confident, that is where it is.”
Burns ran on the support of former Belmopan U.D.P. Area Representative, John Saldivar. He was Burn’s campaign manager, but remained out of the spotlight throughout the course of the day. Saldivar showed up to vote half an hour before the polling stations closed.
John Saldivar
John Saldivar, Former U.D.P. Area Rep, Belmopan
“Now I am coming to vote. I will put my ex there for my team. All morning I have been working hard to make sure that things work out well and I am very happy with the results so far and I am waiting on the counting, I am very confident.”
Polling stations closed at six p.m. At the end of the day a total of five thousand, five hundred and eighty-five registered voters exercised their democratic right in Belmopan. Boxes from two other polling stations began arriving at the counting station an hour later and the counting process officially began. By nine p.m., unofficial numbers began trickling out of the counting room. Early indications were that Cawich and his team were in the lead, much to the delight of the PUP supporters who were on the outside waiting. Three hours into the counting process, Area Representative Oscar Mira emerged to unofficially declare victory for the PUP in Belmopan.
Oscar Mira
Oscar Mira, Area Representative, Belmopan
“Unofficially but we have won in Belmopan, the east has won significantly, the west has won significantly, in central we were even, we won north. Unofficially, but in Belmopan the People’s United Party remains in City Council.”
But it was not until midnight that the official counting process was over and a winner was declared in the Capital City. Chris Enriquez received the most votes for the day, while most of Cawich’s slate won by five hundred to a thousand votes.
Pablo Cawich
“The first thing we need to do is to get into the city council and start doing an analysis as to what is presently in place and what has been happening over the past term.”
Jackyln Burns
“The people have spoken. This is the electoral process, congratulations to the winners. I need time to sleep, with that said goodnight.”
As we reported earlier, Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow predicted a clean sweep for the United Democratic Party across all nine municipalities. Well, tonight Barrow is admitting that he erred in making such a prediction. But, he says the U.D.P.’s failure at the polls was not all the party’s fault. He contends that foreign government interference and the People’s United Party’s increased infrastructural investments leading up to the municipals persuaded voters.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“In our democracy the people have to be convinced that the decision they are making is the right ne and unfortunately in Belize there were rampant foreign interference. You had foreign governments donating sixteen million dollars grants weeks before the elections, one million dollar grant in Belmopan to build houses, sixty days before the elections. Those things are disgusting and blatant interference. You have BTB fifty million dollar bond used for municipal projects sixty days before the elections for the candidates and you had this whirlwind blitz of government resources being used, national government resources being used to convince the people that something was happening. The other part is that we have more work to do as a political organization. Our candidates have more work to do to make sure we can penetrate all of the interference, whether it is foreign governments, the tens of millions of dollars being spent on elections, obviously the opposition cannot match that dollar for dollar. The way we could match it is through our capacity, our intellectual capacity, personalities and all the things that make you a potential area representative. I think we need to do work as far as strengthening our capacities so that we can convince people that despite them being plied with treats that we still have the highest cost of living ever, ramped crime corruption, the stevedores have a problem, the caneros have a problem, the teachers have a problem, right on the eve of elections.”
But, what do the unfavorable results on March sixth for the U.D.P. say about the organization’s leader? He says his name was not on the ballot and that it was a team effort. According to Barrow, the U.D.P. has scheduled a postmortem and a National Party Council meeting where they will have the difficult discussions about the party’s future.
Moses “Shyne’ Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“We as a political organization, every member, this is a team effort. I was not on the ballot. We were all championing the cause of the United Democratic Party but standard bearers and the councilor candidates had the specific task of the day and we need to do a postmortem which we have scheduled shortly and do some analysis and really see where the fat is that we need to cut and we need to narrow down our focus to eighteen or nineteen divisions. If I can accept blame for anything my error is on strategic miscalculation as far as going after all nine. It is clear that was impractical and so rather than pouring resources into an additional four municipalities we should have focused on the five in reach. Obviously Santa Elena, San Ignacio, PG which we won, then on a recount we lost by twenty-five votes, I am asking for another recount to make sure the integrity of the vote is in order and there is no stealing of the vote. In Benque and Dangriga, I believe if we would have focused all the resources there we would have fared much better. So moving forward we are going to have a national party council so that we can decide the way forward.”
Moving west to the twin towns of San Ignacio/ Santa Elena, the only municipality where the United Democratic Party gained some grounds. The U.D.P. secured six of the seven seats that were up for grabs. That is four more seats than what they claimed in the 2021 municipal elections. But, it was not the clean sweep they were hoping for. Residents also elected one People’s United Party councilor candidate, leading to yet another mixed council in that municipality. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
In March 2021, residents of San Ignacio and Santa Elena elected a mixed council with a People’s United Party majority. Mayor Earl Trapp and Bernadette Fernandez were the only two UDP representatives on the council during the last term. At the start of the day on Wednesday, the incumbent mayor was among the first to cast his ballot.
Earl Trapp
Earl Trapp, U.D.P. Mayor Elect, SI/SE
“We have been living in crisis lately, so this is a stepping stone, this is the initiation to stepping into the general elections. So, certainly this is very important for us. We want to win at least four to five municipalities and then I believe we are ready for general elections. The people are suffering and we need to bring a turning point and we need to bring back the lives of people to normalcy.”
The People’s United Party, on the other hand, had its machinery working on the ground in the twin towns. PUP Area Representative for Cayo North, Michel Chebat, was present to give his support to this machinery. The polling station in Chebat’s constituency was the largest in the municipality.
Michel Chebat
Michel Chebat, P.U.P. Area Representative, Cayo North
“This morning we were very busy, from about seven o’clock and we had a very steady pace till about eleven o’clock and between eleven and one it slowed down a little bit but now again, we have been busy and from about three o’clock it has been going really crazy.”
Reporter
“How soon do you think you will see some victory today because I know that is what you will be projecting.”
Michel Chebat
“Well I don’t like to count my chicken before they hatch but from what we are seeing out here Cayo North looks very positive, but this is the biggest polling station in this area. We have seventeen boxes here. So this will be the last one to finish counting.”
At the close of the polls, U.D.P. supporters appeared energized and in high spirit. U.D.P. councilor candidate Lin Valentine was optimistic that the votes were leaning in his party’s favor.
Lin Valentine
Lin Valentine, U.D.P. Councilor Elect, SI/SE
“Everything was very smooth and I appreciate that we didn’t have no back and forth with one another and I appreciate that about our people here. We showed that unity and I want it to continue this way. That has shown us that we are a people of one.”
Reporter
“I notice that some of your other candidates like Mr. Fernandez is still trying to get some voters in.”
Lin Valentine
“Yeah, that is the energy we show. WE are here fighting for our grass roots. I believe we are going through serious punishment at the moment so we are coming with changes, with new changes.”
Rutilia Gabriel
Rutilia Gabriel, Returning Officer
“Overall at six o’clock in the municipality of San Ignacio, Santa Elena, eight thousand one eighty-six person voted, out of the thirteen thousand seven, twenty-nine. That represents a percentage of fifty- nine point six three.”
The figures for voter turnout at the end of the day in San Ignacio/ Santa Elena represented a three-percent increase when compared to the 2021 municipal elections. A couple hours into counting and there was no clear indication as to which of the candidates were in the lead. There were ballot boxes that favored each slate. But as the process continued, votes in favor of the United Democratic Party’s candidates started to trend upward. And, before any official results were announced, PUP candidates and supporters began leaving the counting station. Trapp then preliminarily announced that his full slate would be elected.
Earl Trapp
“Unofficially the, we will have a full UDP slate here in San Ignacio and Santa Elena.”
Reporter
“So, what is taking so long and were there any close vote?”
Earl Trapp
“Yes that is correct, the results were close with one of the PUP candidates, hence the reason why they are taking more time to review the addition.”
Reporter
“So that can still go either way?”
Earl Trapp
“Yes, like I say it is unofficial, but when we plug the results into our system it indicated seven UDP.”
Reporter
“In terms of your unofficial margin is it substantial?”
Earl Trapp
“It is big enough to call it a clean slate.”
Counting continued all the way pass midnight because of the slim margin of votes between a UDP and PUP councilor candidate. And, when the official results were announced, the United Democratic Party emerged with six seats, including the mayoral position. The People’s United Party’s Aaron Mai secured the seventh and final seat. Once again, the twin towns will be lead by mixed town council. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
