By Belize Live News Staff: With the upcoming general elections in sight, two PUP standard-bearers have secured their seats without facing a single vote—a situation Prime Minister John Briceño says is “not a failure of democracy, but a reflection of it.”
Anthony Mahler (Pickstock) and Henry Charles Usher (Fort George) were automatically elected after no UDP candidates stepped forward to challenge them. While some critics say this denies voters a real choice, Briceño argued that the lack of challengers proves that voters are satisfied with PUP leadership.
“Why would anyone challenge Anthony Mahler if he’s doing a great job?” Briceño asked. “I’d be wasting my time and resources.”
UDP leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow has accused the PUP of bribing UDP candidates to drop out, a claim Briceño strongly denied. “These are just desperate statements,” he said, insisting that Barrow is more focused on his leadership battle within the UDP than on winning actual elections.
While Briceño believes uncontested elections are legitimate, some within his own party are calling for greater competition. PUP Minister Julius Espat suggested that a strong democracy requires a strong opposition, hinting that the lack of competition may not be entirely positive.
Briceño responded by saying, “Julius and I agree on having a strong democracy, but sometimes, the people have already spoken.”
With the PUP already securing victories in two key constituencies, the UDP faces increasing pressure to prove it remains a viable political force ahead of the general elections.
