‘Political Finance Reform Blueprint Is Ready’. Will Government Follow It? 

Belize now has what political analysts describe as a blueprint for regulating political financing. The bigger question is whether the country’s political leaders are prepared to use it. 

The Belize Policy Research Institute (BELPRI) says its latest report outlines how Belize could finally introduce long-discussed campaign finance legislation. But Executive Director Dr Dylan Vernon recognises the biggest obstacle may not be writing the law; it may be convincing politicians to support it. 

Prime Minister John Briceño had previously suggested that campaign finance reform is a massive undertaking that is unlikely to happen during his current term. 

Vernon, however, isn’t accepting that answer. “We have to acknowledge that it’s not going to be easy. This is difficult. The Prime Minister is right in that way. But, because it’s difficult, it does not mean in any way or form that we should not try and we should not at least try to mitigate some of the worst implications and negative results of money in politics,” Vernon said. 

“If political parties are serious, if the government is serious about advancing, the report can be a tool and a blueprint for moving forward,” Vernon added.

The real test, Vernon said, isn’t enforcement logistics. It’s whether politicians can be convinced the system currently protecting them isn’t actually working for anyone.

“A lot of people in both political parties over the years, politicians, have benefited from the lack of regulation, the status quo,” Vernon said. “Changing it will not be easy. And I think that’s the key hurdle to overcome. The excuses about lack of enforcement and how difficult it is, I think we’re able to get over those. The key one would be convincing them that the status quo isn’t working.” 

Vernon argued that while reform will not be easy, introducing even basic campaign finance regulations would ultimately benefit both politicians and the public.