BELIZE CITY, Tues. Feb. 2, 2021– Earlier this week, Estevan Perera announced his resignation from the chairmanship of the Elections and Boundaries Commission. In a statement posted on social media, Perera commented, “It is unfortunate that the composition of the Election and Boundaries Commission has become publicized to the extent that it has. The mere fact that it was raised at the House of Representatives speaks volumes about our democracy and the sanctity of our Constitution.”
The Briceño administration called for Perera’s resignation shortly after the 2020 General Election, with the Prime Minister himself saying that it was the right thing for Perera to do during the first sitting of the House of Representatives.
In response, Perera, at the time, had issued an open letter to the media that called on all political parties to reread section 88 of the Belize constitution. He asserted that his appointment as chairman of the Election and Boundaries Commission was protected by the Constitution and not subject to the control of any political parties.
Nonetheless, Perera decided to resign. He shared that his decision was made in an effort to maintain unity within the country during these trying times and to prevent the waste of the limited resources of the Government.
“At the end of the day, we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic and at unfortunate financial times. What the country needs right now is unity and for the Government to utilize its remaining resources as best as possible for the benefit of the people. For me to remain, would cause unnecessary delays and wasted resources as the Government has already decided not to work with the previous composition of the Commission. It is for the above reason that I ultimately decided to resign.” Perera explained in a statement which announced his resignation.
While being questioned by the media, Prime Minister John Briceño had indicated that the Government would, if necessary, seek other options to have Perera removed from the Elections and Boundaries Commission. This would have resulted in a series of court actions that would have been part of a litigative back-and-forth between the Government of Belize and the former Elections and Boundaries chairman.
Perera, a trained attorney-at-law who is fully aware of the time and resources it would take to resolve the matter through the courts, decided to bow out and concede to the wishes of the current government.
It must be noted that while Perera shared that he had full legal right to maintain his position as the chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, there are other legal principles, customs, and norms, which confer upon the current government the right to make such appointments, as was brought to light by members of the PUP government.
Included among these is the fact that the Prime Minister traditionally recommends the members of the Commission to the Governor-General after advising the Leader of the Opposition. Prime Minister Briceño has said that the UDP appointees who defiantly refuse to adhere to these customs are, in effect, barring the constitutional right of the office of the Prime Minister.
The resignation of Perera opened the door for the PUP government to appoint attorney Oscar Sabido as the new chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission.
His appointment was announced shortly after Perera issued his statement of resignation. On February 3rd the new Election and Boundaries Commission held its inaugural meeting. The members of the newly form E&B Commission are Orlando Espat, Conrad Lewis, Phillipa Griffith Bailey, and Alberto August.
Of note Alberto August was appoint upon the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, Patrick Faber. Orlando Espat and Conrad Lewis were appointed by Prime Minster Briceno. None of the new members have been sworn in as yet.