By Belize Live News Staff: British-Belizean businessman and political figure Lord Michael Ashcroft has issued a warning on the state of Belize’s democracy, calling for urgent reform within the United Democratic Party (UDP) and underscoring the need for a strong and effective opposition.
Speaking during a recent appearance on OYE, Lord Ashcroft said the country is at risk of a dangerous imbalance of power, with the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) holding near-total control and the UDP still deeply divided.
“For me, it is always important in any country that there is a thriving democracy,” Ashcroft said. “And that means an effective opposition.”
Ashcroft did not mince words, stating that “some of the dinosaural politicians of the UDP need to stay out completely. Their time is up.” He said the ongoing infighting between factions loyal to Moses “Shyne” Barrow and those backing Tracy Taegar-Panton has paralyzed the opposition, leaving the PUP unchallenged in its governance.
He described the current administration’s behavior as “naughtiness” and warned that without a credible opposition, there is no real check on government power. “Now we have a situation with the fight, with the PUP having absolute control,” he said.
Ashcroft called on the UDP to hold an internal election to resolve the leadership vacuum and restore public confidence. “The only way the UDP can get itself together is if there is an open election,” he insisted.
With UDP supporters and the wider public watching closely, Lord Ashcroft’s message was clear: democracy cannot thrive without accountability—and accountability starts with a functioning, united opposition.
