Redistricting report introduced but P.M. unsure of progress amid opposition

Posted: Friday, May 31, 2024. 1:57 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform and Religious Affairs Henry Charles Usher introduced the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2024, to implement the redivision report of the Election and Boundaries Commission which it completed last July and tabled at the National Assembly.

There are concerns from elected representatives about the recommendations in the report, which is expected to be rejected by the Lower and Upper Houses due to its alleged unconstitutionality. However, the process must go through according to the Consent Order signed with the plaintiffs in Claim No 55 of 2019, which was made in December 2022 and recently returned to court.

Outside the House, Prime Minister John Briceño mentioned that the law requires the report to be brought to the House, even though both political parties have expressed concerns about it. The report will be tabled and go through the House committee for further consideration.

When asked about the possibility of a redistricting exercise before the 2025 general elections, the Prime Minister explained that they have to follow the legal process, and the timing is tight as the election is scheduled for November next year. Redistricting requires groundwork and time, and they will have to wait and see if there is enough time to carry it out.

He also declined to discuss the constitutionality of another election based on the current constituency setup, mentioning that he prefers to wait for an answer from the National Assembly before commenting on the issue.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.