Posted: Wednesday, February 19, 2025. 11:40 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: The Belize Peace Movement has initiated a legal challenge in the High Court, requesting a determination on whether the current constituency boundaries violate the country’s Constitution. This development arises as Belize prepares for upcoming elections, with critics warning that the integrity of the electoral process could be at stake.
Filed in November 2024, the case differs from previous legal actions, such as the Jerry Enriquez case, as the seven claimants are not seeking immediate injunctive relief but are instead calling for a definitive ruling from the court. Recent submissions from both the claimants and defendants have been made, and the Belize Peace Movement is now awaiting a court date, emphasizing the urgency due to the announcement of an election date.
At a press conference, Paul Morgan, one of the claimants, expressed concern over the delay, stating, “We’re waiting for the court to call us, and it has been over a month now. We believe the election will be called soon, and if it happens without addressing Schedule 1 (of the Representation of the People Act), our rights will be violated.” He underscored that while the Prime Minister is within his rights to call elections, it should not conflict with ongoing court cases regarding electoral boundaries.
Attorney Sharon Pitts, representing the claimants, provided insight into the legal arguments being presented. “The schedule to the ROPA, which deals with constituency divisions, is inconsistent and in flagrant violation of the Constitution. Our position is clear: ROPA is null and void,” she asserted.
The claimants emphasize that the case centers around a simple, yet significant question of whether Schedule One of ROPA aligns with constitutional requirements. If the court rules that it does not, the Elections and Boundaries Commission will be obligated to rectify the situation before any elections are held.
Rudy Wade, another claimant and a voter, voiced his concerns about the implications of holding elections under potentially illegal boundaries. “So far, this administration has held two elections that we believe were illegal. If another election is called without proper redistricting, it will also be illegal,” he argued passionately.
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.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post Belize Peace Movement seeks High Court ruling on constituency boundaries appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, February 19, 2025. 11:40 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: The Belize Peace Movement has initiated a legal challenge in the High Court, requesting a
The post Belize Peace Movement seeks High Court ruling on constituency boundaries appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
