Tag:
united democratic party
Politics and Government
UDP holds press conference to discuss current state of government affairs
The leadership of the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, held a press conference on April 29, 2025, in the Toucan A Conference Room at Belize Biltmore Plaza. During this event, they strongly critiqued the current state of government affairs in Belize and outlined their vision for the future.
Community and Society
Island residents and stakeholders express opposition to overwater development at Cayo Rosario
Residents and visitors of San Pedro Town gathered at the Lions Den on Tuesday, April 8th, to discuss the escalating environmental concerns surrounding the controversial development project on Cayo Rosario. The meeting was led by local activist Elito Arceo and supported by environmental groups such as the Belize Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Oceana, and Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD). The purpose of the gathering was to address the dredging and mangrove destruction threatening the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and to outline strategies to protect this ecologically significant area.
Community and Society
San Pedro’s Gabriel Zetina ready to serve as Senator
Gabriel Enrique Zetina, an entrepreneur from the island, has been appointed as an Opposition Senator. He is one of three appointees selected by the new leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Opposition, the Honorable Tracy Taeger-Panton.
This appointment follows the re-election of the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) government on March 12th, during which new members were assigned to the Senate.
Government
The Belize Senate finalized for 2025-2030 term
The Belize Senate has been finalized for its 2025 term. The ruling People’s United Party (PUP) and social partners quickly appointed their representatives. At the same time, the United Democratic Party (UDP) introduced a new opposition lineup, featuring Gabriel Zetina, a young real estate agent from San Pedro Town.
Politics and Government
Tracy Panton elected Belize’s First Female Leader of Opposition
In a historic moment for Belizean politics, Tracy Panton became the nation’s first female Leader of the Opposition on March 14, 2025, coinciding with Women’s Month. Panton, a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP) who has represented the Albert constituency since 2015, ascended to this role after her faction defeated former opposition leader Shyne Barrow in the Mesopotamia constituency. Her election marks a significant shift toward greater gender representation in Belize’s traditionally male-dominated political landscape.
Politics and Government
OAS Commends Belize for Peaceful Elections, Highlights Need for Reforms
The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) has released its preliminary report on Belize's General Elections, which took place on March 12, 2025. The report commends the peaceful and efficient conduct of the electoral process while highlighting areas that require improvement. Maricarmen Plata led the mission, which consisted of 12 experts and observers from seven different countries. They monitored key aspects of the electoral process, including organization, technology, justice, and campaign financing.
Politics and Government
PUP remains in power after the 2025 General Election
After just over a month of campaigning, General Election Day was held on March 12th, where the People's United Party (PUP) won, winning 26 out of 31 constituencies and securing another term for the incumbent Prime Minister, Honorable John Briceño. This victory was not surprising for some, as the two uncontested seats (Pickstock and Fort George) on Nomination Day indicated significant issues within the opposition party. The PUP's victory was also evident in Belize Rural South (BRS), which includes Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St. George’s Caye, where PUP candidate Andre Perez won by a substantial margin, garnering support from more than half of the voter turnout.
Politics and Government
Electoral Process in Belize: Exercise your right to vote!
Belize's electoral process is a cornerstone of its democratic governance, ensuring free and fair elections since its independence. This process involves several key steps, including candidate nomination, campaigning, and voting. In the upcoming 2025 general elections, Belizean’s will head to the polls on March 12th to elect 31 members of the House of Representatives.
