By Belize Live News Staff: Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar Panton is calling on the Government of Belize to stop politicizing Village Council elections, warning that interference at the grassroots level threatens the country’s already fragile democracy.
In a social media statement released Monday, Panton said that Village Council elections should be about empowering communities—not political parties. “These elections are not about red or blue. They’re about roads, schools, parks, and clean water. They’re about our quality of life,” she said.
Panton’s comments come amid growing concerns over reports of political tampering with voters’ lists, disenfranchisement of residents, and the exclusion of local leaders who are not aligned with the ruling People’s United Party (PUP).
“This is not only unethical—it is unconstitutional and deeply divisive,” said Panton.
She emphasized that villagers are voting for their neighbors, not national party platforms, and urged the government to respect that process. “Political interference at the village level sends a dangerous message: that party loyalty matters more than service, competence, or community unity,” she said.
Panton also called on the Elections and Boundaries Department to guarantee transparency, equal access to information, and the protection of every citizen’s voting rights, regardless of their political affiliation.
“We need to return these elections to what they were meant to be—a celebration of local democracy, community voice, and people-centered leadership,” Panton said. “For democracy. For fairness. For our communities. For the people.”
