We all knew it was coming - and now, it's here - in 37 days, on Wednesday, November 4th - general elections will be held in Belize. It's a snap election, and a very early announcement for the Barrow administration - which will be only 3 years and eight months into a five-year term when the election is held in 5 weeks. The rumour went out like a wildfire at around 11:0 am, and by 12:30 Prime Minister Dean Barrow made it official with this statement - which was sent out in audio form initially. . The Prime Minister explained why his government wants a new, early mandate:...
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Having secured this period of restoration, I believe the time has come to ask you for a fresh mandate. The clean-up having been completed, the UDP must focus now exclusively on the positive, on forwarding opportunity and change. A New Belize must burst forth, where progress, prosperity and stability can reign untrammeled."
"To fertilize this new bloom of change and advance and inclusion, we must re-inscribe our compact with the people. Accordingly, I have today advised the Governor General to dissolve the National Assembly and to fix Wednesday November 4, 2015 as the date for the next general elections."
"You the citizen, the voter, hold the most important power in our democracy, and exercise supreme authority and judgment at election time. Because we know that your decision will be based on the record and character of those seeking your support, we in the UDP are confident of the victory. But ultimately it is a matter for you. My Party and I therefore pledge both our commitment to a peaceful election, and our absolute respect for whatever outcome you determine."
That entire address airs as an ad in tonight's news.
Nomination day will be October 15th.
We spoke with the Prime Minister this evening in Belmopan - but that interview finished just a few minutes ago, so we'll have that for you later on in the news.
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