Weather may be a factor in Belize elections
Thursday, 07 February 2008
Belizeans voted under stormy skies on Thursday.
Long lines were observed at polling stations even as heavy rains threatened to affect the flow of voters throughout the day.
Meteorological officials say a cold front had become stationary over the Yucatan Peninsula and would dump showers mainly over the northern and inland areas of the country.
"I'm a little worried about the weather," Opposition Leader Dean Barrow told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) just before casting his ballot.
"The forecasters had told us we would have a good day; that rain was only to be expected in the late afternoon and that's certainly how it had turned out.
"There is always the question of mobilisation when the weather is as it is now, but that apart I'm still extremely confident, still certain that the people of Belize have made up their minds, the dye is cast and the United Democratic Party (UDP) will record a great victory," Barrow added.
The UDP, which has been in opposition since 1998, is seeking to unseat the Said Musa-led People's United Party which is seeking an unprecedented third straight term in office.
"I am very optimistic about the outcome," Musa told CMC, but he too was concerned about the unstable weather and how it would affect the turn out of voters.
"The weather is a little unkind today, but our people have been coming out.
We just want to make sure that we get the majority overall.
"I still believe, despite the inclement weather that people will come out and vote because this election, there has been a lot of enthusiasm, particularly over the last two months. The energy level has been very high, the moment has been strong for the People's United Party and I feel very confident."
There are 157,000 eligible voters, and a record 93 candidates vying for the 31 seats in the House of Assembly.
In addition to the vote for the parliamentary representatives, there is also a referendum ballot determine if the electorate favoured an elected senate.
The polls are closed at 6:00pm local time (8:00pm ECT) and the count is scheduled to start two hours later.
Election officials say a result should be known by midnight, local time.