Incumbents triumph in PUP conventions

Three more conventions were held over the weekend to nominate People’s United Party standard bearers for the 2003 general elections. In Toledo East, incumbent representative Mike Espat turned back well known challenger Paul Mahung by a count of six hundred and eighteen to two hundred and sixteen. In Orange Walk South, what was going to be a two horse race turned into a solo performance, as an unopposed Ismael Cal was elected by acclamation. Incumbent Salus Lizama formally withdrew his candidacy on February twenty-seventh, pledging to support Cal and work hard during the two and a half year remainder of his term. In Orange Walk North, the sitting representative, Servulo Baeza, sought a second term but was opposed by two challengers. When the ballots were counted Baeza won handily with one thousand, one hundred and eleven votes, compared to three hundred and fifty-seven for Efrain Zetina and one hundred and nineteen for Daniel Correa. The United Democratic party begins its convention season on March twenty-fifth in the Caribbean Shores constituency. Deputy Party Leader Oscar Ayuso is expected to be nominated without opposition.