Is Political Pendulum Still Swinging in Favor of the P.U.P.?

Francis Fonseca

Municipal Elections 2015 are set for early March and Belizeans in nine towns and cities are once again gearing up to go to the polls in the national exercise.  Despite the P.U.P.’s astounding defeat in the Cayo North bye-election on Monday, party leader Francis Fonseca is resolute in his belief that the political tides are turning in favor of the opposition.  The proverbial pendulum, he says, is once again swinging in their direction.

Francis Fonseca, Party Leader, P.U.P.

“I am absolutely confident, you talk about the pendulum, I’m absolutely convinced that the national pendulum, Cayo North is, in my view, an isolated factor or event, the national pendulum is swinging strongly in favor of the People’s United Party and I think any general election that is called will show that very clearly and I think we will begin to see that in the municipal elections.  So, I think, to look at Cayo North and make any national assumptions based on what took place in Cayo North I believe would be a mistake.  I don’t think it’s a reflection of any pendulum swinging either way.  That’s the reality it’s a specific bye-election in which the People’s United Party, you know, we had to run a very, very short, intensive campaign and we have to look at all the factors.  But I am absolutely convinced that the national pendulum is in fact swinging towards the People’s United Party and that will be borne out in future national elections.”

In Belize City, People’s United Party mayoral candidate Yolanda Schakron will be taking on the incumbent Mayor Darrell Bradley.