Polls Officially Open for Belize’s General Elections
Polling stations across Belize opened their doors at 7:00 a.m. today as voters head to the polls to elect the country’s next government. Today will determine the composition of the National Assembly for the next five years.
Six political bodies are contesting the March 12 general elections. The ruling People’s United Party (PUP) has 31 candidates, while the United Democratic Party (UDP) is fielding 41 candidates, split between leaders Moses “Shyne” Barrow (28) and Tracy Panton (13). The Belizean Justice Movement (BJM) is running with 7 candidates, the People’s National Party (PNP) with 2, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with 4, and the General Opportunity Development Party (GODP) with 1. Additionally, four independent candidates are in the race.
The Elections and Boundaries Department has deployed staff and observers across all polling stations to facilitate voting and uphold electoral regulations.
The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission is also on the ground, monitoring the process to assess fairness, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles.
Prime Minister John Briceño, leader of the ruling PUP, is seeking re-election, while both Moses Barrow and Tracy Panton of the UDP hope to sway voters.
Polling stations will remain open until 6:00 p.m., after which the counting of votes will commence. Early reports indicate a steady stream of voters at multiple locations, with authorities urging all eligible citizens to exercise their democratic right.
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