Belize City, Belize 4 February 2006 - The Leader of the Opposition United Democratic Party Hon. Dean Barrow has said he will step down if his party loses the upcoming municipal elections next month.

Speaking on a radio interview on LOVE FM yesterday, Mr. Barrow stated that, "There comes a time when you must realise that either the electorate does not subscribe to your policies, or they simply do not want you as a leader. Therefore if we lose in the local elections set for March 1st 2006, I will step down."

Mr. Barrow replaced the Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel, former Prime Minister of Belize, after the UDP lost the General Elections in 1998. The UDP then lost the General Elections to the Peoples United Party in 2003.

The administration of Prime Minister Said Musa leader of the Peoples United Party, has been rocked in recent years by corruption scandals, a rebellion within the Cabinet, riots over increased taxation, and a concern over a spiraling crime rate. Most observers say the elections next month are for the UDP to lose.