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