Unprecedented withdrawals hamper UDP but are not bad for Belizean democracy, says P.M.; PUP turns up pressure on Opposition in Mesopotamia

Published by BBNTEAM at February 27, 2025

Posted: Thursday, February 27, 2025. 4:03 am CST.

By Aaron Humes: On Nomination Day, a stunning twist unfolded in Belize’s political landscape as four candidates from the United Democratic Party (UDP) under the leadership of Moses “Shyne” Barrow failed to appear for their nominations. The last-minute withdrawals of Dean Samuels for Pickstock, Melvin Hewlett for Fort George, Norman Usher for Dangriga, and Dennis Williams for Toledo East sparked shockwaves across the nation, raising questions about the integrity and competitiveness of the upcoming general election.

Prime Minister John Briceño of the People’s United Party (PUP) on Wednesday dismissed allegations that the PUP played any role in swaying the UDP’s candidates to withdraw. He confidently insisted in speaking with the press that democracy in Belize remains robust and vibrant.

“It’s not a failure of democracy. People vote for who they want,” Briceño stated, highlighting that the candidates likely recognized Pickstock’s Anthony Mahler’s strong performance, leading them to believe challenging him would be futile. He emphasized that this situation reflects the true spirit of the democratic process in Belize.

Addressing claims from Barrow about possible financial incentives for candidates to withdraw, Briceño remarked, “Desperate statements during desperate times… it is clear that the opposition leader is thinking beyond this election, as he prepares for his own leadership challenges within the party.”

P.M. Briceño twisted the knife further in on Wednesday afternoon when he took the opportunity to campaign alongside PUP candidate Lawrence Ellis in Barrow’s Mesopotamia constituency, a region historically aligned with the UDP since 1979. With the clock ticking down to the March 12 general election, the PUP remains optimistic about gaining support from the residents of Mesopotamia.

Ellis, who is committed to revitalizing the area, expressed his determination to unseat the UDP’s longstanding leadership. “The people of Mesop need to understand that there is no future in the UDP,” he asserted, underscoring the party’s long tenure without significant progress in the region. “My presence and the Prime Minister’s presence is a clear indication that the PUP is ready to take back Mesop for the people of Mesop.”

With just thirteen days left until the election, both parties are ramping up their efforts to sway voters, and the outcome remains uncertain in light of the dramatic developments on Nomination Day. The political landscape in Belize could be on the brink of significant change as voters prepare to make their voices heard.

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