Mon. Feb. 24, 2025
Dear Editor,
The supporters of the UDP must be in a state of confusion having to now choose between one of two leaders or area rep from their party during this general election. This unprecedented state of affairs in Belizean politics [has] set the stage for the creation of the most lopsided government in the country since independence.
The loyal opposition has been a non-factor to the country and the people they represent in the last four years. This incredible situation that this party is now grappling with only solidifies the point of a leadership crisis in Belize. Even though we all know politicians are petty and self-serving, it is now on full display. The sole purpose of becoming a politician is to serve your people and country. If you have to hide behind the party to achieve this objective then you’re a fraud.
For the sake of democracy and the country, the members of the Alliance for Democracy, the breakaway faction of the UDP, should have waited until after this election to oust their party leader. However, if the dissatisfaction with the leadership was so great, then they should have walked away completely and created their own party. This political system we adopted has room for third parties, and if these disgruntled members of the Alliance for Democracy were genuine about wanting to make a difference in the life of the people, creating a third party would have served them well.
The general sentiments were that Shyne never had a chance to win a general election in Belize once he became the leader of the UDP. The writings were on the wall. In a striving democracy, you cannot impose your will on the people. The party supporters only have 1 vote. For the independent voter, the UDP is not even an option. Our politics is in a hot mess. There is a high possibility that the PUP could win all 31 seats in this general election. We all know how unhealthy this will be for our country. For the opposition to not be a viable option in a general election is shameful. Your country should be priority number one if you want to hold a leadership position, not your political party.
Respectfully,
concerned citizen,
J Alvarez