Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BELIZE211
2006-03-03 16:34:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Belmopan
Cable title:
OPPOSITION DOMINATES BELIZE'S MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
how-toVZCZCXYZ0002 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHBE #0211 0621634 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 031634Z MAR 06 FM AMEMBASSY BELIZE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9768 INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTIVE RUEHUB/USINT HAVANA
UNCLAS BELIZE 000211
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR WHA/CEN - JASON MACK
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KWMN PINR BH
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION DOMINATES BELIZE'S MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
UNCLAS BELIZE 000211
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR WHA/CEN - JASON MACK
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KWMN PINR BH
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION DOMINATES BELIZE'S MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
1. (U) The opposition United Democratic Party (UDP)
dominated Belize's March 1 municipal elections. The UDP won
eight of nine mayoral races, and garnered 56 of 58 councilor
seats. Prior to the elections, the PUP controlled six of
nine municipalities. Many races were close, and voter
turnout ranged from a high of roughly 70% in the towns of
Benque Viejo, Orange Walk, Belmopan, and San Pedro, to a low
of 54.5% in Belize City.
2. (SBU) COMMENT: Presently, the UDP controls eight of 29
National Assembly seats. However, with all but one mayor
now UDP, the ruling PUP may become more cautious and avoid
making bold, but unpopular, moves before general elections
are called - likely in 2008.
3. (SBU) COMMENT CONTINUED: Separately, PolOff noted that
the Cuban Ambassador to Belize accompanied Belize's Director
of Elections and Boundaries Stuart Leslie as part of an
election observation team.
DIETER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR WHA/CEN - JASON MACK
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KWMN PINR BH
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION DOMINATES BELIZE'S MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
1. (U) The opposition United Democratic Party (UDP)
dominated Belize's March 1 municipal elections. The UDP won
eight of nine mayoral races, and garnered 56 of 58 councilor
seats. Prior to the elections, the PUP controlled six of
nine municipalities. Many races were close, and voter
turnout ranged from a high of roughly 70% in the towns of
Benque Viejo, Orange Walk, Belmopan, and San Pedro, to a low
of 54.5% in Belize City.
2. (SBU) COMMENT: Presently, the UDP controls eight of 29
National Assembly seats. However, with all but one mayor
now UDP, the ruling PUP may become more cautious and avoid
making bold, but unpopular, moves before general elections
are called - likely in 2008.
3. (SBU) COMMENT CONTINUED: Separately, PolOff noted that
the Cuban Ambassador to Belize accompanied Belize's Director
of Elections and Boundaries Stuart Leslie as part of an
election observation team.
DIETER