Village Council Elections and Politics

Julius Espat

Political rivalry is at the heart of these heated exchanges that take place outside of the polling stations during village council elections. And, while the Constitution of Belize says that village council elections are by nature non-partisan, the Area Representative for Cayo South, Julius Espat, says these elections have always been about political rivalries.

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South

“I, you can be hypocritical about it or you can be truthful. People say it is not political but it has always been. The villages that decide that they don’t want political parties to come in have said so and that is respected on both sides. But, it has always, and in fact I can speak from my experience, you should have been there when we were in Opposition.  It was no joke. But, we know what we are doing. The villagers need the help and we are there to provide it for them. So, the ones that preach that it is not political it is because they are not winning.”