Belize's Democratic Journey

Belize is a democratic country that gained independence from Britain in 1981. The country has a parliamentary constitutional democracy and is directed by an elected prime minister. Suffrage is universal and, while not compulsory, is available to everyone over the age of 18. The country's democratic government has experienced regular rotations of power through competitive elections, and civil liberties are mostly respected. Belize's democracy is functional, with a strong emphasis on order, popular education, and the inclusion of all society in a single democratic process.

Belize's democratic history since independence in 1981

Belize's political history since independence in 1981 has been marked by a two-party system, with the People's United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) dominating the political landscape. The country has experienced regular rotations of power through competitive elections, with the PUP and UDP taking turns in office.

In the first national election after independence in 1984, the PUP was defeated by the UDP, with UDP leader Manuel Esquivel replacing George Cadle Price as prime minister. The PUP returned to power in the 1989 election, but the UDP regained control of the government in the 1993 national election, marking the first time in the country's history that a sitting government was voted out of office.

The UDP's tenure was marked by a suspension of a pact reached with Guatemala during the PUP's tenure, as Esquivel claimed that Price had made too many concessions to gain Guatemalan recognition. This pact may have helped resolve the long-standing border dispute between the two countries.

In the 1998 national elections, the PUP won a landslide victory, and PUP leader Said Musa was sworn in as prime minister. The PUP maintained its majority in the 2003 elections, and Musa continued to serve as prime minister. However, growing discontent with the PUP government, including tax increases, led to unrest in 2005.

In the 2008 general elections, the UDP, led by Dean Barrow, won a landslide victory, marking the first time the party had won consecutive terms. The UDP's success continued in the 2012 and 2015 elections, with Barrow leading the party to a third consecutive victory.

In 2020, the PUP, led by Johnny Briceño, defeated the UDP for the first time since 2003, winning 26 out of 31 seats in the House of Representatives. This marked a shift in the country's political landscape, with the PUP returning to power after 12 years in opposition.

Throughout Belize's democratic history since independence, the country has faced challenges such as government corruption, violent crime, and border disputes with neighbouring Guatemala. However, the country has also made significant progress, with a stable government, a growing economy driven by tourism and agriculture, and a diverse and blended culture.

The role of the Queen and the Prime Minister

Belize is a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy. The King of Belize, Charles III, serves as the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of government. The current prime minister of Belize is Johnny Briceño, who has been in office since 12 November 2020.

The role of the monarch is largely ceremonial and non-partisan. The King is the personal embodiment of the Belizean Crown and is responsible for safeguarding against the abuse of power. While the monarch has executive authority, most powers are exercised by the elected members of parliament, government ministers, and judges. The governor-general of Belize is the monarch's representative and exercises many of the monarch's operational and ceremonial duties. The governor-general is appointed by the monarch upon the advice of the prime minister of Belize.

The prime minister of Belize is the leader of the largest party in the parliament and is appointed by the governor-general. The prime minister heads the Cabinet and advises the monarch or governor-general on the execution of their executive powers. The prime minister also advises the governor-general on the appointment and dismissal of ministers, members of various executive agencies, and other officials, including senators.

The two-party political system

Belize is a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with a multi-party system. However, it has a two-party system, with two dominant political parties, the centre-left People's United Party (PUP) and the centre-right United Democratic Party (UDP). It is difficult for any other party to achieve electoral success.

The PUP was established in 1950 and grew out of the trade union movement. It has traditionally drawn support from the mestizo population. The UDP was established in 1974 and is considered the more conservative party. It has a strong following in the urban Creole population. The PUP fosters the idea of political independence, while the UDP believes in the national interest of equitable distribution of public services from the government.

Since Belize's independence in 1981, there have been regular rotations of power between the two parties. The PUP was the party in power when Belize gained independence and continued to govern until 1984. Since then, the two parties have been alternating in power, with the UDP most recently winning the 2020 general election.

The two-party system in Belize can be attributed to the country's first-past-the-post electoral system, which has entrenched the two largest parties. While smaller parties have participated in elections, they have not won any significant number of seats or offices. However, their challenge has been growing over the years.

The impact of corruption on democracy

Belize is a democratic country with a stable government. It has a parliamentary constitutional democracy and is directed by an elected prime minister. Suffrage is universal (but not compulsory) for everyone over the age of 18. The country has two main political parties—the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People's United Party (PUP). Belize has experienced regular rotations of power through competitive elections, and civil liberties are mostly respected.

However, government corruption is a concern. Belize continues to struggle with corruption, and there is little political will to address the problem. Anticorruption laws are poorly enforced. For example, no one has ever been prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption in Public Life Act, which has been in place for over 20 years. Recent corruption scandals have involved allegations that the Ministry of Natural Resources illegally distributed land to UDP supporters, as well as a separate controversy regarding the alleged unlawful sale of passports by the Immigration and Nationality Department.

Corruption has a detrimental impact on democracy. It undermines democratic institutions, and weak institutions are less able to control corruption, creating a vicious cycle. When elites are highly corrupted, they are not concerned with the rest of the population or the country's well-being. Corruption breaks the link between collective decision-making and people's power to influence decisions, which is fundamental to democracy. Additionally, corruption often leads to declining trust in elites and the state, causing a decline in democratic culture as the population loses confidence in their politicians and civil servants. In extreme cases, corruption can lead to the capture of the state and even complete tyranny.

The influence of Guatemala's border dispute

Belize's long-running border dispute with Guatemala has had a significant influence on the country's political trajectory and its emergence as a democratic nation. The roots of this dispute can be traced back to the 17th century, when British settlers arrived on the coasts of Central America, coming into conflict with Spanish claims over the territory. This dispute persisted during periods of colonial rule and continued even after Belize gained independence from Britain in 1981.

The border issue has been a critical factor shaping Belize's democratic landscape in several ways. Firstly, it has contributed to the country's strong commitment to self-determination and sovereignty. Belize's efforts to establish and safeguard its territorial integrity have been a driving force in its political discourse and foreign policy. This commitment to self-determination has been a unifying factor in Belizean politics, transcending partisan divisions and rallying support across the political spectrum.

Secondly, the border dispute has influenced the development of Belize's democratic institutions and governance practices. The ongoing tension with Guatemala has underscored the importance of establishing stable and effective governance structures. This has likely contributed to the country's relatively stable democratic system, which features regular rotations of power through competitive elections. The presence of a persistent external threat has also incentivised Belizean politicians and citizens to resolve internal differences through democratic means, contributing to the country's political stability.

Additionally, the border dispute has played a role in shaping Belize's international relations and alliances. The country has actively sought international support to bolster its position and gain recognition for its independence and territorial integrity. This has included engaging with organisations like the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Commonwealth of Nations. By garnering international support, Belize has strengthened its position in negotiations and reinforced its commitment to democratic principles.

The dispute has also had economic implications for Belize, impacting its trade, tourism, and development potential. The lack of fully demarcated borders has created challenges for managing border security, trade relations, and cross-border investments. This has influenced the country's economic policies and strategies for growth, with a focus on diversifying its trade partners and expanding its manufacturing base.

Lastly, the border issue has been a source of political division within Belize, particularly around the question of how to resolve the dispute. The referendum on taking the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has divided political parties and families, with close outcomes expected. This division reflects differing views on national security, foreign relations, and the role of international institutions in resolving territorial disputes.

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