Friday, July 26, 2024

Politics and Government

Dr. Osmond Martinez is the new Area Representative for Toledo East

With 3,268 votes, Dr. Osmond Martinez of the People's United Party (PUP) won the Toledo East by-election on Wednesday, July 17th. Martinez's opponent, Dennis Williams, with the United Democratic Party (UDP), garnered 1,169 votes, while William Maheia, under the People's National Party (PNP), received 202 votes.

Toledo East by-election for new Area Representative set for July 17th

On Wednesday, July 17th, the constituents of Toledo East in southern Belize will democratically elect a new Area Representative in a by-election contested by three candidates seeking to replace the late Honourable Mike Espat. They include Dr. Osmond Martinez of the People’s United Party, Dennis Williams of the United Democratic Party, and Wil Maheia of the People’s National Party. The Toledo East constituency, with its 21 villages and Punta Gorda Town, is home to nearly 8,000 registered voters, each of whom has a voice in this crucial decision.

Dr. Osmond Martinez elected PUP Standard Bearer for Toledo East

On Sunday, June 9th, the People's United Party (PUP) hosted a convention for the Toledo East Constituency to elect a Standard Bearer for next month's upcoming bye-election. The convention was held following the passing of Area Representative Honourable Mike Espat. Three PUP candidates contested the Standard Bearer seat, which included former Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, Dr. Osmond Martinez, Nicanor Requena, brother of Toledo West's area representative, Honourable Oscar Requena, and Melhem Espat, son of former Toledo East area representative, the late Honourable Espat. Following the counting, Dr. Martinez was declared the winner at the end of the day with 1,762 votes.

Mayor Wally Nuñez steps down from contesting the Belize Rural South seat as standard bearer

San Pedro Town Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez announced his bid for Area Representative in Belize Rural South (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) (BRS) on April 29th. For the electorate, this meant challenging the current Area Representative, Honourable Andre Perez, a member of his own party, the People’s United Party (PUP). Nuñez was determined. However, a directive from the PUP Secretariat has reportedly forced him to reconsider his decision. The note allegedly said that none of the recently elected Mayors would be allowed to participate in any contested convention for the post of standard bearer. The note added that a mayor could only participate in an endorsement convention if no other candidate was interested in the seat.

Mayor Wally Nuñez announces bid for Area Representative in Belize Rural South

San Pedro's Mayor Gualberto 'Wally' Nuñez has announced his intentions to participate in the next General Elections in 2025 and challenge current Area Representative, Honorable Andre Perez, for the Belize Rural South (BRS) seat. This constituency consists of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. Nuñez confirmed his interest in the higher office via a post on his Facebook page on April 29th, stating that he would be sending his application to represent the BRS constituency.

PUP 7 Celebrates with a Victory Rally in San Pedro Town

After the Municipal Elections held on March 6th, the People’s United Party (PUP) hosted victory rallies throughout the country in each of the six municipalities they won. In San Pedro Town, the newly elected PUP town council held their rally on Saturday, March 23rd, with Belize’s Prime Minister, Honorable John Briceño, in attendance. The celebration included a parade through the town’s streets and a program of events at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex (Saca Chispas), which included official speeches, raffles, and live entertainment.

Low voter turnout in recent Municipal Elections

Following the municipal elections across the country on March 6th, a low voter turnout was observed, with few young or first-time voters reporting at the polls. Although the number of registered electorates increased in San Pedro Town, the turnout was slightly lower than in the 2021 Municipal Elections.

San Pedro Town Council share their 2024-2027 manifesto

Following a resounding re-election on March 6th, Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez and his six Councillors under the People’s United Party (PUP) said on Tuesday, March 12th, to be ready to continue working for the San Pedro community in their second term in office. Their manifesto is the blueprint for accomplishments and pledges in the next three years.

PUP 7 wins San Pedro Municipal Elections

Gualberto' Wally' Nunez and his Councilor candidates under the People's United Party (PUP) have maintained its San Pedro Town Council positions. They were re-elected under the campaign motto 'Stay Pan Track,' defeating the full slate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Independent Mayoral candidate Emergency Medical Technician Abner Bacab.

Municipal Elections are underway in San Pedro; the electorate encouraged to come out and vote

The 2024 Municipal Elections are currently taking place across the nation, and voters in San Pedro Town have been turning up steadily to cast their votes. Polling stations on the island have been open since 7AM and are located at the San Pedro High School, San Pedro Junior College, and the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School. San Pedro is one of the most significant municipalities in the country and is a leading commercial center in Belize. Since the last municipal elections held in 2021, registered voters have increased from 7,983 to 8,704. The unofficial turnout report at midday, as per the Belize Elections and Boundaries, was 2,229.

Exercise your Constitutional Right to vote during the 2024 Municipal Elections

In a few days, eligible voters across Belize will head to the polls to select new Town and City councils for the next three years. The 2024 municipal elections will occur on Wednesday, March 6th, and voters are reminded to exercise their constitutional rights.