BELMOPAN, Belize – The ruling party in Belize, the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Prime Minister Dean Barrow, won a record third term in general elections held last week.
In preliminary results, the UDP won 21 of the country’s 31 constituencies while the main opposition People’s United Party (PUP) had won 10. The newly formed Belize Progressive Party also fielded candidates, none of whom were successful at the polls.
Barrow called the election in late September, more than a year ahead of schedule, amid signs his political opponents were regrouping and fears that generous Venezuelan aid crucial to his budget may be at risk.
Elections in Belize are normally every five years but the prime minister has the constitutional power to dissolve Parliament and call early elections. This was the fourth time this had happened in Belize’s history.
On first two occasions both the PUP and the UDP lost after calling early elections. In 2012, the UDP escaped by a narrow margin. This is the first time a political party in Belize has called early elections and won by a large margin.
On this occasion, the UDP did not take anything for granted and came out in full force to win as much seats as possible. Voter turnout was the key to winning the elections and the UDP brought out its supporters.

  Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow