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But while the parties have developed distinctly different styles - both sides said victory is at hand. The PUP went first: they had the morning for their nomination and we have this report:...

Daniel Ortiz reporting
This morning a crowd of about 200 PUP supporters crowded into Columbus Park in downtown San Ignacio.

We saw many PUP representatives, elected officials and political candidates from all over the country - and each of them brought their own supporters:

Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Party Leader
"We see it as an important bi-election, an opportunity for us to begin the process of changing this government. Also, it's an important election for all of us. We recognize that and we wanted to be here to demonstrate that support and confidence that we have in our party here in Cayo."

And while the national figures were out in force, we didn't see a great deal of Cayo North voters.

Harrison, who was nominated in the San Ignacio courtroom by 6 constituents, says they had to work:

Jules Vasquez
"You only have out a few hundred people here and of that, more than 50% appear to be from outside the division. I would say as much as 75%."

Richard Harrison, Nominated for PUP Cayo North
"If you count the banners on the lamppost, it's the same thing… It is the same."

Jules Vasquez
"Poles don't vote, people vote and when you don't have people, you don't have votes."

Richard Harrison
"The thing is that you need resources and today is a Monday, people have to go to work. The People's United Party represents the working men and women of Belize."

And he says his voters were working, but the numbers that came out were less than inspiring. While it is a weekday, political credibility has a threshold - which doesn't seem to have been met on this outing. But, the PUP were happy to play the underdog, and didn't seem worried at the optics of the event:

Jules Vasquez
"Would you be put back if the UDP show us as you would expect them to, because you know they are rolling in money right now by their own description, If they show up with 4-5 times in number that you have out here?"

Richard Harrison
"I wouldn't be fazed at all. We are going to have a solid victory in Cayo North on January 5th."

Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Party Leader
"We are not going to be fazed at all. We understand that that is the approach of the UDP. That has been their approach for the last 6-7 years, spending a lot of money, putting a big show, but we have confidence in the voters of Cayo North."

Jules Vasquez
"It is a tough choice having to choose between a allocating those resources, those scarce resources for the municipals or to spend it here which may be at best as symbolic when if you can manage to get a win?"

Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Party Leader
"You're right, it's a balancing act if you like. Yes, we have to be responsible. We know that we have as you rightly point out municipal elections in a few months, in March of 2015."

Jules Vasquez
"Sir, but I don't see out here either Ainsley Leslie or Joseph Mahmud. I've scanned the crowd fairly closely and I don't see your past two representatives for this area. Is this an indication that there is a break in continuity or in succession?"

Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Party Leader
"Well, I can't speak for Ainsley Leslie or Joseph Mahmud. Mr. Mahmud obviously resigned. He no longer wants to serve the people of Cayo North and no longer wants to be involved in politics. That's obvious from his decision--"

Jules Vasquez
"--No longer want to support the PUP."

Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Party Leader
"I don't know what he wants to support. He is not involve in politics. He has made that clear. The point is, we are not concern about that. We are concern about the future. We have nominated our candidate this morning. We are proud of that candidate. We believe he represents what is best for the future of Cayo North."

Richard Harrison
"We are walking the streets and we are visiting the homes and that's where we will win."

They put a good face on it and the confidence they have is based on the fact that Harrison is well known in the area - and that they can tap into resentment for the incumbent government:

Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Party Leader
"I really feel that at the end of the day, people will come out and express their disappointment and their frustration with this UDP government. Omar Figueroa will just join a sinking ship and the people of Cayo North understands that."

Richard Harrison
"This is not an election only about Cayo North. This is an election that will have impact on the municipal elections and also on the general elections to come. So, this is the first domino that will fall and we will deliver this seat on January 5th."