Cayo Migistrate Orders Removal of 23 Voters from List

A Magistrate has ordered the removal of 23 names from the Cayo North voters’ list after reviewing objections to 147 names alleged to have been improperly added to the electoral register.

Magistrate Kara K. Walters made the ruling on Wednesday morning after considering objections to the electoral register. The objections were brought by five individuals, with Angel Reuben Chan accounting for 77, Francis Eddy Contreras 23, Bernz Mendez 17, Floyd Lemus Jr. 16 and Iliana Moreno 14. 

The allegations were based on improper registration and voters’ residential addresses.

Angel Reuben Chan submitted the largest number, with 77 objections linked to a 2024 court judgment. Francis Eddy Contreras filed another 23, referring to a subsequent memorandum from Walters to the Registrar General concerning registrations she had found to be irregular.

The other 47 challenges came from Bernz Mendez, Floyd Lemus Jr. and Iliana Moreno. Their objections dispute whether the individuals concerned actually reside at the addresses recorded for them.

In a press release today, the United Democratic Party welcomed the removal of 23 names as its first victory in the proceedings. Attorney-at-Law OJ Elrington represented the objectors. 

The Magistrate was scheduled to consider another 76 names after the lunch break. UDP Leader and Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar Panton said, “Every lawful vote must be protected. Every voters’ list must uphold the integrity of our democracy.”

The party says it will continue pursuing the objections through the legal process to ensure that the voters’ list complies with the law.