We want action, not promises, say citizens

To test some of Palacio’s theories and see just what Belizeans are thinking, this morning I hit the scorching streets of Belize City.

With less than two days to go before elections, many of Belize’s voters have still not made up their minds. But the law of certainty over a candidate doesn’t mean they don’t care about the issues.

Voter #1

“Mostly the kids and the running of the country. We no want somebody who will just sit down there; we want somebody who will perform for the country, and that’s my main views.

According to the U.D.P., they said, they were going to do so much in the last elections, and we no see nothing. The P.U.P. promise that they will do so much. Now according to how I see it, in my neighborhood, the previous elector for that division did not do anything. I just hope if P.U.P. get in or U.D.P. get in, I just hope they will do something for my constituency, because my constituency is in bad shape. And the rest, I just leave it up to that good man above.”

Voter #2

“The issue is jobs and housing, houses and so. And help the children that are on the street.”

Some people told us that despite the bombardment of television and radio ads from all parties, they have not been persuaded one way or the other as to which is more credible.

Voter #3

“The lot of promises. What they say they will do. I want them to fulfill those promises dem. You just can’t di promise people that they will get this and what they will do. Make them come true, because people tired a live by promises.”

Q: “What do you think will influence your voting this Thursday?”

Voter #3

“What will influence my vote? Ah, I really don’t know what to say; I really don’t know what to say concerning that.”

Voter #4

“Well, I am telling you the truth, I no know if I will vote. I no mek up my mind yet. When that day comes, I might think if I will give one of the small ones to make they try survive because both parties are the same thing. If you put them in a crocus sack and drop them in a sea, I don’t know which one will come out first.”

Voter #5

“Hmm, I would hope the good sense of the people, I hope they use their good sense and no go out there and do fool.”

Voter #6

“You could vote for this and you could say this and they change something in the middle of it. So the best thing for you to do, is stand cool.”

With four parties contesting the election there is a likelihood that come Friday morning over fifty percent of voters will not see their favorite candidate win a seat in Belmopan… so standing cool is pretty good advice.