Political Race Accelerates Ahead of 2027 Municipal Vote

Municipal elections are slated for March 2027, and things are heating up between the two major parties. The United Democratic Party has yet to announce its slates and says it will strike when the iron is hot. But the People’s United Party is not holding back. Today, Prime Minister John Briceno announced that the party will endorse the current Orange Walk Town Council and that there will be a convention in Belize City. And all eyes are on the Old Capital where three individuals are reportedly eyeing the mayoral seat. Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller has been endorsed by Mayor Bernard Wagner, while reports suggest that both former Deputy Mayor Allan Pollard and City Administrator Candice Pitts also expressed interest in becoming the party’s mayoral candidate in Belize City.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“The national executive met on Monday, and we went through all of that. We have many of the present councilors running again. We are going to have some conventions in some areas. Quite likely in Orange Walk Town we are not. Orange Town has been very successful as a council. We don’t see any problems there. In Belize City I don’t expect any hostilities. I know about two young men that are considering running and I think they are both excellent choices for Belize City. So, whichever one was to emerge as the next mayoral candidate, I think Belize City is going to be in good hands.”

 

Sheena Pitts, Chairlady, United Democratic Party

“In this press conference did you not realize that there is a foreshadowing. But my response is that the UDP is gearing up and we are ready and the names are being floated around. However we are a party that strikes when the iron is hot. So as much as I want you to poke me and get me to act when you are ready. We will do so after we have all our ducks in a row and we are able to do so strategically, in each municipality.”

 

The United Democratic Party also revealed that its municipal slates will prioritize youth representation.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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