Dear island guests ...... If you like adult beverages, kindly note that they will not be on sale on Election Day. Best to head off to the store today or tomorrow to get something to tide you over til Thursday.
The two major political parties on the island, The United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People's United Party (PUP) both held separate pre-election rallies over the weekend. The UDP held their rally on the night of Saturday February 28th, while the PUP held theirs during the day on Sunday March 1st. Each of the parties managed to flex their strength as they brought in some of their leaders for the event.
For its part UDP brought in the Prime Minister of Belize Honorable Dean Barrow who was greeted by a large crowd of supporters who had assembled at Maya Island Air. While music blared, the crowd of supporters marched through the streets of San Pedro, jumping up to the beat of their political songs. The parade culminated at the San Pedro Central Park where the rally followed.
Leading up to their rally, PUP Town Council Candidates and supporters greeted Party leader Francis Fonseca, who was on the island for the day on Saturday, February 28th showing support and visiting residents across La Isla Bonita. The following day, the PUP showcased their strength in an all-day beach party at the Boca del Rio Park. All candidates, along with PUP Belize Rural South Standard Bearer Elito Arceo delivered inspirational speeches to those in attendance.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS more photos in the San Pedro Sun
We hereby inform the general public that the San Pedro Town Council offices will be open tomorrow, March 4th, election day, in its regular working hours from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Only two hours remain in the 2015 Municipal Elections as polls will be closing at 6PM. 3724 votes have been cast up to 4PM. This registers 49.08% of San Pedro electorates. 506 voters were seen between 3PM and 4PM. Even with the surge of voters, order is being maintained within the 100 yards.
Official - UDP retains control of the San Pedro Town Council. Secures all seven seats in Town Council. Click Link to Read Election Results:
Video by San Pedro Sun
It is a United Democratic Party (UDP) win for San Pedro.
Video by San Pedro Sun
News 5 Live
Municipal Elections Results Summary (UPDATED 10am)
62 seats go to the UDP including the 8 Mayors in Belize City, Belmopan, Corozal, San Pedro, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Benque, Dangriga & PG.
5 seats go to the PUP including 1 Mayor in Orange Walk.
(Please note we are still awaiting the official numbers for all municipalities from the Elections & Boundaries Department)
My initial analysis of the elections are as follows: As I predicted UDP would win most of the seats as it was obvious - what the election tells me is that the party supporters went out and voted but the independents stayed out of it..PUP has a major crisis which was evident two elections ago. PUP refuses to Reform. PUP may love their dinasours but they are a constant reminder of the wanton corruption that spiraled out of control during their terms. Their strategy seem to be win by default and that strategy is failing. They are not serious about reform by failure to reform themselves ...They also seem to be extremely sensitive to constructive criticism and respond with propaganda and vitroil which only serves to remind people about their sordid past. The voting population has evolved. Social media is a real watch dog phenomenon. There are people who are addressing issues that were not possible before, Belizeans outside the normal bread and butter reach of politicians are bringing important issues to the forefront and people are watching and listening - one more thing -PUP has waged war on the diaspora, a very powerful group who still has a great deal of influence on family and friends at home ...just [#%!] poor politics all around. - UDP must be very careful that they don't create voter fatigue, and this win doesn't make then complacent- they must really become humble because there is a sleeping giant of voters who can make it all go away by the next Elections. UDP must now take governing to the next level. People are looking for government that represents the people. I think Mr Barrow has emerged as a force to be reckon with politically. He must now conduct deep analysis of how he plans to proceed if he wants a 3 peat. PUP must go back to the drawing board and do a deep soul searching analysis and then put their dinasours to bed. They must offer people an alternative and stop with the "you are more corrupted than us" approach. Reform, reform, reform and one more thing - change the image of An emerging family dynasty. Also, I am not sure what to make of OW- was it a rejection of Gappy or did the sugar cane crisis play a role on what is emerging? 3rd parties it seems the iron is hot once again. PUP has weakened even further! 3rd parties must find a way to attract supporters and financing to do the necessary ground work..my big question is this: Was the election a rejection of Ashcroft and anything that reminds Belizeans of him ? He emerged just before elections with litigation and with Audrey that sent Belize social media into a frenzy! Is the election a sign of hope for third parties ? Was it a complete rejection of PUP and partially party politics ? Who knows but there is much to dig for into the psche of the people who stayed at home!
The opinions and views expressed on this board are the subjective opinions of Ambergris Caye Message Board members and not of the Ambergris Caye Message Board its affiliates, or its employees.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
