Third party courting voters in Belmopan

Since July, there has been a buzz of political commotion countrywide as candidates and their canvassers make sure that eligible voters living in their constituencies have registered or transferred into the division. And while the two mass parties are already trading pot shots in the media and on the street, the independents are also soliciting support. According to Vision Inspired by the People Chairman Paul Morgan, visits to voters have been positive.

Paul Morgan, VIP
“Actually, I have a lot of faith that the Belizean people will be wise this time. Looking at our twenty-six years of history after independence, I think the Belizean people have enough evidence to see that both these political parties have in fact betrayed the trust of the people; and I say that right now the Belizean people shouldn’t be sidetracked because of these gimmicks. We are here talking about all kinds of issue, after issue. The real issue is that the political parties go into government with all of this power, the Cabinet has this kind of power, ministerial discretion is rampant, and so we need to corral that. If we do not get the government to understand that the power of the Cabinet is too much, that we have dictatorship in Cabinet, then everybody loses, the people lose and in fact in the end, the political parties lose also.”

Janelle Chanona
“Mr. Morgan as you go on your street campaign, house to house, besides that message, what is motivating you personally to stick with this knowing that the odds are so heavily against you?”

Paul Morgan, VIP
“Personally, it is the faith in the people. I have faith in myself, I have faith in my family, my friends, and I have faith in you Janelle, I believe that you all will do the right thing. You all have seen the history, if you don’t do it this time, God help us.”

While the V.I.P.s are hoping to field candidates in all constituencies, to date only nine have officially announced their intention to run.