2025-02-11 - Channel 5 Belize

Legal Challenge Filed to Halt General Elections Over Lack of Redistricting

A legal injunction to halt the upcoming general elections, citing the absence of a constitutionally mandated redistricting exercise, has been filed.

The claimants argue that proceeding with the elections without redrawing electoral boundaries violates the principle of equal representation. They contend that significant disparities in constituency sizes undermine the democratic process. The government maintains that it has fulfilled its constitutional obligations by presenting redistricting proposals to the National Assembly.

The legal challenge seeks to ensure that the redistricting process is completed before any general elections are conducted.

In a press release, Jeremy Enriquez, the claimant said, “Following yesterday evening’s refusal of our request, we immediately filed an application for an injunction to restrain the Prime Minister from calling elections until the electoral boundaries are redrawn in compliance with Section 90 of the Constitution. Since then, we have been anxiously awaiting an emergency hearing from the Honourable Chief Justice and the Registrar, to grant us an emergency hearing this morning to allow us the opportunity to be heard by the Court in the public interest. Despite this pending legal action, the Prime Minister has proceeded to dissolve Parliament and announce that general elections will occur on March 12, 2025. This action appears to be a calculated attempt to
preempt judicial review, circumvent due process, and undermine the rule of law. Such a maneuver raises serious concerns regarding constitutional integrity and the fundamental right of all Belizeans to participate in free and fair elections.”

Police Investigate Fatal Shooting in Hope Creek

Police have launched an investigation into the shooting death of 23-year-old Simon Francis Arana Jr., a Belizean teacher, in Hope Creek Village.

Authorities responded to reports of gunfire around 8:25 p.m. on Monday. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Arana’s motionless body inside a residence.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Arana was socialising at the home when gunshots rang out, fatally wounding him. He was later identified as the carpentry instructor at ITVET Dangriga.

Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout

Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout – Channel 5 Gears Up for Unmatched Election Coverage

The countdown to Belize’s general elections on March 12, 2025, has officially begun, and Channel 5 Belize is set to deliver comprehensive, in-depth, and engaging coverage before, during, and after the polls.

With the theme “Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout,” our election programming will provide exclusive insights, expert analysis, and voter perspectives as the nation prepares to decide its future.

What to Expect from Channel 5’s Election Coverage?

🔹 Pre-Election Features – Leading up to March 12, we will explore the key issues shaping this election, from the economy and governance to social policies and national security. Expect in-depth interviews with candidates, analysis of campaign promises, and on-the-ground reports from constituencies across the country.

🔹 Voter Perspectives – What matters most to Belizeans heading to the polls? Our coverage will gauge voter sentiment, featuring perspectives from first-time voters, community leaders, and everyday Belizeans on the streets.

🔹 Expert Commentary & Unique Angles – Political analysts, former leaders, and policy experts will break down the strategies, debates, and developments, helping viewers and readers understand the stakes of Decision 2025.

🔹 Election Day Live Updates – As Belizeans cast their ballots, Channel 5 will provide real-time updates, on-the-ground reports from polling stations, and early voter turnout trends.

🔹 Results & Post-Election Breakdown – Whether it’s a landslide victory or a tightly contested race, we’ll deliver accurate, up-to-the-minute results and an in-depth analysis of the political landscape moving forward.

Decision 2025 will be one of the most pivotal elections in Belize’s history. Will it be a “Blowout” victory for one party or a “Show Out” moment for the other party to demand change? Stay tuned to Channel 5 Belize for the most trusted election coverage.

📡 Follow us on all platforms for updates and live coverage! #Decision2025 #BelizeVotes #BlowOutOrShowOut

UDP Challenges Election and Boundaries Commission Over Ballot Controversy

The legal team representing Leader of the Opposition Moses “Shyne” Barrow and key members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has formally written to the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC), demanding a public clarification regarding recent reports about ballot designations for the upcoming 2025 general elections.

The letter, dated February 10, 2025, was sent by attorney Christopher P. Malcolm on behalf of Barrow, Chairman Michael Peyrefitte, Shary Medina, and other senior party members. It challenges claims made in a Hot Off the Press article, which suggested that the EBC had recognised two factions of the UDP and would allow both to use the traditional red party colour on official ballots. The report framed this as a victory for Tracy Taegar Panton, whom Barrow’s camp has contested as an illegitimate claimant to UDP leadership.

According to Malcolm, such a decision would be beyond the constitutional powers of the EBC and could influence ongoing court proceedings. He reminded the Commission that the High Court is set to rule on Panton’s UDP membership status on March 31, 2025, and urged the EBC to refrain from interfering in the party’s internal dispute.

While Malcolm noted that he does not believe the EBC has taken the actions described in the article, he called for an immediate public clarification to avoid misleading the public and maintain confidence in the electoral process. He warned that allowing misinformation to spread could undermine democracy and bring the EBC into disrepute.

The UDP legal team has requested a response from the Commission without delay. The issue underscores the high political stakes surrounding the upcoming elections and the internal divisions within the UDP.

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.