In mature democracies, elections are shaped by the issues voters care about. Yet, with Belize’s 2025 General Elections less than 30 days away, the lackluster campaign suggests our democracy has yet to mature.
The ruling PUP is coasting toward victory with little effort, and while its re-election seems certain, voters can expect little more than continuity. Meanwhile, the UDP remains fractured—one side claims Belizeans “deserve better” but lacks a compelling alternative, while the other promotes democracy as its cause, a concept that feels distant from voters’ daily struggles.
Calls for a “conscience vote” will arise, but in a culture of political clientelism, personal reward often outweighs principle. The opposition’s candidate lineup poses further challenges—one faction recycles familiar faces, while the other introduces untested contenders with little political footing.
As a longtime UDP supporter, it pains me to see the party in such disarray. Asking voters to choose between two UDP factions rather than presenting a unified vision for Belize’s future is not just bad politics—it’s unfair to those seeking real representation.
Beyond our borders, shifting U.S. policies on immigration, tariffs, and foreign aid will impact Belize. I want to hear how our leaders plan to navigate these challenges. The “Blu Plan” is outdated, and the divided “Red” camp needs to focus less on power struggles and more on steering the country through global change.
In the absence of a meaningful contest, the most valuable part of March 12 may be the national holiday it provides—a moment to reflect on where we’re headed and hope that, whoever wins, they’re ready for what’s coming.
