By Belize Live News Staff: Elvia Vega-Samos is the only People’s United Party (PUP) Standard Bearer who will go to a convention prior to next year’s general elections, following a heated meeting of the party’s National Executive on Thursday.
Vega-Samos, the current PUP Standard Bearer, will face Thea Garcia-Ramirez in the convention. Garcia-Ramirez launched her candidacy on May 25 in Corozal Bay, prompting speculation about favoritism due to her being the daughter of the Prime Minister’s CEO.
Prime Minister John Briceño defended the decision, highlighting the party’s democratic processes. “There’s a whole process that we go through,” Briceño said. “The national executive looked at the recommendations and accepted them.”
Concerns about potential internal conflict were dismissed by Briceño. “It’s part of democracy. Nobody owns anything… Let the people decide who they want to represent them,” he said, expressing confidence that the winner would effectively represent Corozal Bay in the new government.
The upcoming convention has created a divide in Corozal Bay, with heightened political activity expected as Vega-Samos and Garcia-Ramirez prepare for the campaign. The outcome will be crucial for the PUP’s strategy in the general elections.
