7 News Belize

When Will Belize Hold Its ICJ Referendum?
posted (October 25, 2017)
As we reported last week, Guatemala will hold its referendum on the ICJ on March 18, 2018. That date is now written in stone in that country after it was approved by the Guatemalan Congress last week.

But, what about Belize, when will our referendum be held - or might a "no" vote in Guatemala put the whole thing in jeopardy? That's what we asked the Foreign Affairs CEO today:...

Pat Andrews, CEO - Foreign Affairs
"We will move along the lines of first completing our municipal elections and then it is slated that maybe sometime around May/June the re-registration process can start. The review of the electoral process can start and then we will be looking at that taking us up to maybe the end of 2018. So late 2018, early 2019."

Jules Vasquez, reporter
"If it fails in Guatemala what happens next?"

Pat Andrews, CEO - Foreign Affairs
"Good question Jules. I think if it fails in Guatemala it will put us in a situation where we will have to decide whether or not it is worthwhile for us to proceed. That has not been determine as yet."

Jules Vasquez, reporter
"But you all are praying for every success?"

Pat Andrews, CEO - Foreign Affairs
"We are praying for every success in deed and we will be continuing therefore with our awareness campaign that continues unabated to prepare our people for the referendum."

Reporter
"The Guatemalan government has budgeted I think $40 million US dollars. How much have we budgeted for that referendum process in Belize?"

Pat Andrews, CEO - Foreign Affairs
"No, we are not to that level funds, but we will be budgeting some money enough and be able to access money from elsewhere."

The question sin the referendum will be: "Do you agree that any legal claim by Guatemala against Belize on continental inland territories and any maritime areas corresponding to those territories be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final determination and that it determines the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the parties?"

Guatemala expects 7 million people to vote. In Belize there are expected to be about 150 thousand eligible voters.

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