Voters say what’s most important to them
About two weeks ago, Karim Berges commissioned an independent poll on the elections. An analysis of the numbers shows that there is a slight difference in support for the U.D.P. and P.U.P. this close to the elections date. While the polls registered a high percentage of undecided voters, the figures also showed that the electorate was more concerned about the cost of living, jobs and the economy, which they listed as the top deciding factors that would influence their vote. Today News Five took to the streets to find out from voters what they consider to be the most important national issue, and what would influence their decision on March seventh. The results were consistent.
Interviewee #1
“Well, I think the crime, economy and poverty are very important.”
Interviewee #2
“I dah just wah deh give wi wah betta Belize yuh know and emm stop dis high cost of living and suh and only that.”
Andrea Polanco
“So cost of living is something definitely that you’ll keep in mind?”
Interviewee #2
“Yes. Yes.”
Andrea Polanco
“So you’re going to the polls on March 7th?”
Interviewee #2
“Yes, definite. Definite.”
Interviewee #3
“Well, I have two things on my mind. I want a clean Belize and I want lower prices and especially for our produce because I love our wonderful produce and of course, I would like to see a beautiful clean Belize. I just came back from Cancun and it’s so clean and I would like to see Belize clean.”
Andrea Polanco
“So that dah something weh definitely wah influence your..?”
Interviewee #3
“Yes, sway my vote. Nobody seems to talk about cleaning up Belize which is such a big issue and I would like lower prices in the supermarket and for the stuff that we pay for.”
Interviewee #4
“Well, on March 7th, this is to all the public here, Belize citizens, I would like for them to put some image on the streets, the roads need to be fixed because they got some bad, very bad potholes and this seems to kinda hold the traffic back too.”
Interviewee #5
“Well, I already have my mind set about what I’m gonna do so I’m just waiting for that day.”
Andrea Polanco
“Awrite. But what are some of the things that you look at or consider in terms of maybe what would influence the way you vote?”
Interviewee #5
“Well, I already looked at what is happening and am looking at the good that is out here and that is what am gonna do, vote for the good.”
Andrea Polanco
“So, you will surely go to the polls on March 7th?”
Interviewee #5
“Yes, I will.”
Berges has commissioned another poll. While the results, we understand are not significantly different, the survey was done before the date of elections was announced.
We need honest government that gets out of the way of the private business sector.
No country can borrow and spend its way to prosperity, that only enslaves future generations. We need to let private businessmen invest, prosper, and create good jobs.