UDP’s John Saldivar Confident in Belmopan Amid Low Voter Turnout

United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for Belmopan, John Saldivar, has expressed confidence in his campaign despite reports of a lower-than-expected voter turnout in the division.

Speaking with News Five, Saldivar acknowledged that while a low turnout is not typical for Belmopan, it often does not favor the incumbent, as it may indicate a lack of mobilization among their supporters. However, he stated that the UDP’s numbers remained strong and that he was optimistic about the final results.

Saldivar said he was satisfied with the UDP’s electoral machinery in Belmopan, noting that they were holding steady against the People’s United Party (PUP).

“We feel very good. When we look at the numbers vis-a-vis the PUP, we are doing pretty well,” he said.

Saldivar highlighted social and infrastructure concerns as the main issues raised by voters. He pointed to what he described as a deterioration of infrastructure in Belmopan over the past four years, contrasting it with his tenure in government when, according to him, over $40 million was invested in the city’s roads and other developments.

“The people of Belmopan are very concerned about the rapid deterioration of the infrastructure,” he stated. When asked whether the internal divisions within the UDP have impacted support in Belmopan, Saldivar dismissed concerns, asserting that voters in the division remained clear on who represents the party.

“I don’t think it affects us much here in Belmopan. Voters know very well who has been representing the UDP,” he said.