By Belize Live News Staff: The United Democratic Party (UDP) suffered a blow on nomination day after two of its Belize City candidates failed to show up, potentially handing two uncontested victories to the People’s United Party (PUP).
Melvin Hewlett, UDP’s candidate for Fort George, and Dean Samuels, representing Pickstock, were absent despite participating in the UDP’s candidate launch on Saturday. According to reports, the party’s secretariat was unable to contact either candidate, leaving their nominations unfiled as the deadline passed.
With no AFD candidates fielded by Tracy Panton in these constituencies and no independent or third-party candidates registered, the current PUP area representatives stand to win by default. According to election regulations, the returning officer is authorized to declare uncontested candidates as the winners immediately.
This unexpected development has raised questions within the UDP, with some party members expressing frustration over the last-minute no-shows. Meanwhile, the PUP is poised to benefit, strengthening its hold in Belize City ahead of the March 12 general elections.
