Belizeans heads to the polls

Belizeans are heading to the polls today to elect a new government amid damages caused by ETA and rising COVID-19 cases.

In the latest statistics, Belize has 1,901 active cases, 185 of which were identified yesterday.

Thirty-one seats in the House of Representatives are up for grabs in the ninth parliamentary elections since its independence in 1981.

The incumbent United Democratic Party, led by Patrick Faber, is seeking an unprecedented fourth successive term in office. Polling stations opened at 7:00 am and will close at 6:00 pm.

Meanwhile, the main opposition People’s United Party is seeking to get back into office under the leadership of John Briceno.

There are two other political parties seeking to claim seats, the Belize People’s Front (BPF) and the Belize Progressive Party (BPP).  

A six-member CARICOM Election Observation Mission will observe the electoral process, including the preparations for the start of the poll, the opening of the polling stations, the casting of votes, the closure of the polling stations, the counting of the ballots and the preparation of the Statement of Poll; collect information on the results at the voting tables to assist in the quantitative verification of the results; collect qualitative observations regarding the voting process, the comportment of the electoral officials and political actors, and on the overall electoral environment; and observe and assess the outcome of the elections and the initial immediate impact on the social and political environment.

Results are expected by midnight.

Stay tuned for the results.