By Belize Live News Staff: The People’s United Party has settled its team for the 2027 San Ignacio and Santa Elena municipal election, and one half of the municipality was shut out entirely.
Not one councilor candidate from Santa Elena made the slate.
The convention drew 217 delegates and alternates, a full 100 percent turnout. Edel Espat topped the polls with 194 votes, followed by Matthew Preston with 192, Joe Awe with 142, Nadime Hegar with 130, Eliu Yacab with 118 and Nazim Lisbey with 110.
Lisbey took the final spot on a coin toss after tying with Danielle Rodriguez, who also pulled 110. Omar Rodriguez, the other Santa Elena hopeful, finished with 66.
They join mayoral candidate Aaron Mai, a two term councilor and currently the only PUP representative on the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council.
The party is calling it its strongest municipal slate yet.
Last month at the National Party Council meeting in Dangriga, Prime Minister John Briceño boasted that the Twin Towns would go to the PUP in 2027.
Standing in the way is four term UDP Mayor Earl Trapp, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term.
