“Corruption on Steroids”: Opposition Leader Slams Government Over Election Irregularities

In a fiery address at the close of today’s House Meeting, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton didn’t hold back. She accused the Briceño administration of serious misconduct during the March twelfth general elections, calling the alleged irregularities “corruption on steroids.” Panton spent over fifteen minutes laying out what she described as glaring procedural inconsistencies and questionable practices, painting a picture of an election riddled with flaws. Her remarks sparked immediate reaction from the government side. Minister of Public Service Henry Charles-Usher fired back, suggesting Panton’s outrage might be fueled by the recent High Court ruling in the United Democratic Party’s leadership dispute—a case that didn’t go in her favor. The heated exchange added a dramatic twist to the day’s proceedings, hinting that the political temperature in the House is far from cooling down.

 

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“It happened in Albert, it happened in Collet. It happened in Mesop., it happened in Queen Square. I was told by a colleague ion the government ‘s side, why complain about buying of votes, when both political entities have done it. It does not make it right and what we have pledged to do is ensure that our democracy works for all Belizeans not just those who have heavy pockets.”

 

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service

“I don’t know if it is because the Leader of the Opposition is reeling from her recent loss in the High Court where the High Court found the convention held in October weas invalid therefore her declaration as leader was invalid, therefore the candidates placed in certain constituencies may be challenged for being invalid. I don’t know if that is the reason she is standing up today for adjournment.”

 

Usher also challenged Panton over what asserts is consistent voters registration fraud in the Albert division.