Tracy Panton Becomes Belize’s First Female Leader of the Opposition

Tracy Panton was officially sworn in as the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives, making her the first woman to hold the position. Her appointment came after the United Democratic Party (UDP) lost the March 12 general election. The UDP won only five of 31 seats.

Panton, who led the Alliance for Democracy faction within the UDP, secured enough support to assume the leadership role. She received backing from key party members, including Lee Mark Chang and Godwin Haylock, solidifying her position despite earlier challenges from former Leader of the Opposition Moses Shyne Barrow. Barrow lost his seat to Chang in the Mesopotamia Division.