BELIZE-US congratulates Belize on democratic elections

WASHINGTON, CMC—The Trump administration in the United States on Friday congratulated John Briceño on his successful re-election for a second term as Prime Minister of Belize.

“We applaud the people of Belize for their unwavering commitment to a democratic electoral process,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“Belize and the United States continue to share a close partnership based on democratic values, cultural ties, and a dedication to improving the security and prosperity of our hemisphere,” added the son of Cuban immigrants. “We appreciate Belize’s strong partnership in combating transnational crime and look forward to our continued cooperation to fight illicit trafficking, money laundering, and corruption.”

Rubio said the United States also commends Belize’s efforts to stop illegal migration, stating that Washington looks forward to expanding cooperation to enhance border security.

He thanked Prime Minister Briceño and the Belizean people for their “continued strong partnership with Taiwan, another democratic force for good in our region.

“We are confident that, working together as partners, the United States and Belize can create conditions that will lead to prosperity, security, and opportunity for both our nations,” Rubio said.

The incumbent People’s United Party (PUP) won Wednesday’s general election that Prime Minister Briceño called nine months before the constitutional deadline.

The PUP won 26 of the 31 seats in the Parliament, with the remaining five seats going to the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), whose leader, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, was among the unsuccessful candidates.

The UDP had contested the elections with two factions. Barrow failed to hold on to the Mesopotamia constituency, which was won by Lee Mark Chang of the Alliance for Democracy, a UDP faction.

In the last general elections held on November 11, 2020, the then-opposition PUP won its first national election victory since 2003, 26 seats, while the then-incumbent UDP suffered its worst result since 1998, winning the remaining five seats.