Record turn out in town board elections

Although final figures were not available at newstime, preliminary tallies suggest that overall turnout in today’s municipal elections could surpass the 1997 Town Board elections, in which two thirds of eligible voters cast their ballots. The Belmopan city council and seven town boards were up for grabs today with the incumbent People’s United Party and opposition United Democratic Party waging hard fought campaigns. Prior to the elections, the PUP held all seven towns with Belmopan making its debut as a self-governing city. While News Five was not able to visit every town, we did manage to send our teams for a quick roundup in the north and west. We begin our coverage with Janelle Chanona in Corozal and Orange Walk.

For the past six months, every Belizean town and the new city of Belmopan have been plastered with political posters. In the northern districts today, candidates had high hopes but polling was slow. The stanch supporters for both political parties seemed at some points during the day to out number the average purple-fingered voter. Both the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People’s United Party (PUP) hopefuls made sure they did some last minute campaigning to get a few more votes.

Janelle Chanona

I notice you are approaching some of the voters as they go into the polling station.

Oldanny Perez, PUP Councilor Candidate

“Yes, that’s my objective, to let them know that I will work hard for them and to vote blue.

Although it’s low, I believe about 50% of the PUP are coming to vote and well the UDP, they are slow.”

Mario Narvaez, PUP Mayoral Candidate

“Street captains getting out the voters, right now it’s a little slow because a lot of people are cooking and doing work. But I believe after lunch, there’ll be a massive PUP support.”

Fredy Ewens, UDP Councilor Candidate

“I would have to say that people have made up their minds whether they want to vote or not, whether they want to make a difference or they don’t want to. But I guess the ones that come

out and vote will be the deciding factor as to who should and who should not win.

First of all, if elected, politics aside, politics is over and it’s time to work for the town.”

Carlos Castillo, UDP Mayoral Candidate

“We will have much more autonomy so there will be less government, ministerial, interference. Subventions are set, those we must get. We will have to find creative ways of creating employment. We are already considering some international funding where we can assist people with some small loans at low interest so they can start life industries and in this way, generate employment and income for Corozal.”

We tried to get comment from Corozal voters but they all refused to be interviewed. Orange Walkquenos were just as camera shy. But they all say they put party colors before town issues. Rick Burgos has been Mayor for two years and is confident his track record will get the votes the PUP need to keep their seats.

Rick Burgos, PUP Mayoral Candidate

“In less than two years, we have accomplished a lot. We have paved over twenty streets; there are lights all over. So the people overall, are contented.”

Miguel Urbina, UDP Mayoral Candidate

“We have had a campaign whereby we visited about 95% of the households and as I have mentioned, this is something between ourselves and the voters and I feel quite confident. I believe we are getting the response we expected.”