By Belize Live News Staff: Employers across Belize are required to provide workers with time off to vote in the March 12 general elections, the Labour Department said in a public notice issued Monday.
The directive, based on Section 29 of the Representation of the People Act (Chapter 9), mandates that employees must be granted reasonable time off to travel to polling stations, vote, and return to work. Employers are prohibited from deducting wages or penalizing workers for exercising their voting rights.
The Labour Department emphasized that factors such as polling station locations, transportation availability, and expected wait times should be considered when determining time off. Employers with workers who must travel long distances to vote are encouraged to be flexible and accommodate their employees accordingly.
Failure to comply with these requirements, or any attempt to intimidate or obstruct employees from voting, constitutes a violation of the law, punishable by fines or imprisonment.
Officials have urged employers to honor this legal obligation and ensure that all workers can participate in the electoral process. The Labour Department has made contact channels available for complaints or clarifications, including its helpline at 672-6562 and email Labour.Comm@labour.gov.bz.
