John Briceño Says P.U.P. Ready for Early Elections
Last Wednesday, the people of Belize voted in favor of taking Guatemala’s unfounded claim to the International Court of Justice. For political observers, it’s a nod of approval for the U.D.P. by the people. But for Opposition Leader John Briceño, it’s not about scoring political points. Since the results, reports have surfaced that there might be early elections, which will not bode well for the U.D.P. since the party has an upcoming leadership convention. According to Briceño, the P.U.P. has been waiting for the elections.
John Briceño
John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition
“It’s not the P.U.P. or the U.D.P. that is going to the I.C.J. It is Belize and I think that all of us, political parties N.G.O.s, citizens we have a responsibility to be able to work together on this issue. It is not about scoring political points. But it is about ensuring that we put our best face front that we can put the best case possible to ensure that we protect every single square centimeter of what rightfully belongs to Belize.”
Reporter
“Are all P.U.P. parliamentarians in support of the withdrawal of the Special Agreement claim?”
John Briceño
“Well that was not discussed. I just informed them that I met with the claimants and with the legal advisor. The claimants, after we had the discussion, said that they leave that up to me as the leader of the party to make that decision. As the leader I felt that it is in the best interest of everyone to be able to drop that claim.”
Reporter
“There is the political dimension to the entire thing and since the referendum there has been amp up talk about elections being called early. How will the PUP now move on preparing towards that?”
John Briceño
“Well that is something that we have been waiting for. Whenever the government or the U.D.P. decides to call elections we are going to be ready. We don’t know if the U.D.P. is ready because they have some massive challenges, internal issues that they have to address in front of them. They don’t even know who will be the next leader. We are waiting.”
