It’s Confirmed: General Election is March 12th

Prime Minister John Briceño has confirmed to News Five that this year’s general elections will be held on March 12th.  Briceño said that he just left the Governor General’s house where he has instructed the GG to dissolve parliament.

With the United Democratic Party (UDP) facing internal challenges and the People’s United Party (PUP) riding a wave of relative stability, the timing seems ripe for a significant political showdown.

The call for elections comes amid ongoing debates about the need for redistricting. The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) and other advocacy groups have been vocal about the constitutional requirement for redistricting before any new elections. This legal challenge could potentially delay the election process, but the Prime Minister will proceed regardless.

Last week, the law firm Courtenay Coye, representing the Government of Belize, responded to a letter from Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan. Writing on behalf of his clients, including Jeremy Enriquez, Ramlogan requested that the government provide at least five days’ notice before announcing the date of the general election.

In its response, Courtenay Coye acknowledged receipt of Ramlogan’s letter, dated February 6, 2025, which was received via email at 10:14 p.m. The firm noted that Ramlogan had demanded a commitment from the prime minister by 4 p.m. on Friday. However, as the House of Representatives was in session, Courtenay Coye stated it was not possible to consult with their client and provide a response within the short timeframe given. They cited the Pre-Action Protocols Practice Direction and indicated that a more detailed response would be issued by Monday. In reply, Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan reaffirmed the necessity of a clear commitment from the Attorney General of Belize. While Courtenay Coye clarified that the Briceño administration would not announce the election date on Friday, Ramlogan stressed that the Attorney General should provide written notice to the claimants’ attorney at least five days before any decision to dissolve Parliament and set an election date, as mandated by the Constitution. Courtenay dismissed demands for a legal undertaking regarding redistricting, asserting that the Government of Belize has complied with the 2022 Consent Order. In a letter to attorney Ramlogan, Courtenay maintained that the National Assembly had already considered redistricting proposals, fulfilling the government’s constitutional obligations. “Your clients’ intended claim is wholly misconceived. The government has and continues to comply with its constitutional obligations. We are therefore instructed to indicate that the Prime Minister declines your request for an undertaking,” Courtenay stated.

News Five has learnt that Ramlogan plans to slap the government with an injunction following the announcement.

Prime Minister Briceño has indicated that this election will be his last if his administration secures another term.

Political analysts suggest that the PUP is in a strong position to win the upcoming elections, given the UDP’s internal divisions and leadership struggles.