By Belize Live News Staff: The Organization of American States (OAS) has announced the deployment of an Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to monitor Belize’s March 12 general elections, marking the fourth such mission to the country.
OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro confirmed that Maricarmen Plata, a senior member of his cabinet, has been appointed as Chief of Mission. She will lead a team of 12 observers from 7 countries, focusing on electoral organization, voting technology, political-electoral financing, and electoral justice.
Before election day, the OAS team will meet with electoral authorities, government officials, and political parties to assess preparations and gather perspectives on the process. On March 12, observers will be stationed at polling sites across the country, monitoring voting procedures, ballot counting, and the publication of results.
Following the elections, the OAS will release a Preliminary Report outlining its findings, observations, and recommendations to further strengthen Belize’s democratic processes.
This mission is made possible through financial contributions from Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, and Panama.
The OAS has previously sent three electoral missions to Belize, including those for general elections in 2012 and 2015 and a voter re-registration mission in 1997.
With Belize preparing for one of its most anticipated elections, the OAS aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and integrity in the process.
