PNP Announces Candidate for Belize Rural North

Election bells went off on Tuesday after Prime Minister John Briceño announced the date for general elections, and political parties are now gearing up for March 12.

Today, the People’s National Party (PNP) officially named Andrew “Lion Truth” Reynolds as their candidate for Belize Rural North, a division long contested by major political parties. Specific details about his background and campaign plans were not shared. 

Reynolds will be challenging Marconi Leal Jr., the new Standard Bearer for the People’s United Party (PUP) in Belize Rural North. Just a few weeks ago, Leal Jr. took charge of the division after his father, Marconi Leal Sr., announced that he would not be seeking re-election.

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Party (UDP) is still facing internal turmoil. Tracy Panton told News 5 on Tuesday that her faction is “absolutely prepared” for the upcoming elections, but the party is still yet to see progress in its mediation process.

Panton specifically blamed Moses “Shyne” Barrow, the area representative for Mesopotamia, for the delay. She accused him of having “no interest in sitting and talking” and obstructing the party’s efforts to unify. “If we are in limbo, it is because he is adamant and he refuses to respect the voices of the people,” Panton said.