G.O.B. Says No Redistricting Before 2020 General Elections

Michael Peyrefitte

The Government of Belize is the defendant in a constitutional challenge bought before the Supreme Court by the Belize Peace Movement.  The pending legal matter revolves around the need for a redistricting exercise, to redistribute the number of registered voters per electoral district, considering the existing disparities.  While the matter is considered to be live before the Chief Justice, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte has been guarded in his comments on the case, suffice to say that government has no plan to carry out the countrywide exercise prior to the next general elections.

Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General

“As far as I know, the government is not intent on doing any redistricting for the November elections of 2020.”

Reporter

“But speaking in general terms, would you agree that the spirit and the letter of the constitution is being undermined, violated with the way things are set up?”

Michael Peyrefitte

“The court will determine that issue.  That is what is before the court right now.”

Reporter

“Would you be able to say how long such an exercise would likely take?”

Michael Peyrefitte

“You mean the court matter?”

Reporter

“A redistricting, if one were to be held.”

Michael Peyrefitte

“I don’t know.  I have no experience in that area, I wouldn’t know how long it will take.”

Reporter

“But isn’t it a fact, sir, that the locus of power, political power, the locus of political power is Belize City which has a disproportionate number of seats because the setup of the political directorate is city-centric?  All our prime ministers so far have come from Belize City.”

Michael Peyrefitte

“The court will determine that very issue.  That is what is before the court.”