The UDP notes with great disappointment and concern the vandalizing of UDP billboards which occurred during the last twenty-four hours and which were certainly committed by operatives of the PUP.
Under any circumstances, such acts are unethical, criminal and constitute an assault on our democracy and on the freedom of expression as enshrined in our country’s constitution.
Under the present circumstances, those acts are particularly reprehensible and disappointing, considering that only a few days ago all parties contesting the upcoming general elections signed on to a gentleman’s agreement in which we committed among other things, to refrain from tampering with each other’s campaign signs and billboards.
The UDP calls on the law enforcement authorities to investigate the acts of vandalism which in themselves constitute a criminal offence, and to prosecute those responsible. We call on the PUP as an organization to acknowledge its wrongdoing, to offer an apology and compensation for the damage done, and to refrain from committing further acts of this nature.
The UDP further calls on all other parties and organizations to register their condemnation of the acts committed, for to remain silent would be to condone the serious assault on our democracy and on the freedom of expression that is constitutionally guaranteed to all Belizeans.