Belize
Election results
Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections
Background
Election date(s)
The date when elections started and ended for directly or indirectly elected parliaments/chambers. The date of appointments for appointed parliaments/chambers.
11.11.2020
Date of dissolution of the outgoing legislature
Date at which the previous legislature (elected at the previous elections) was dissolved.
06.10.2020
Timing of election
Timing of election: Upon normal expiry; Early elections; Delayed elections
Upon normal expiry
Number of seats at stake
Number of seats contested at the elections. Where the parliament/chamber is fully renewed, this number is usually identical to the statutory number of members. Where the parliament/chamber is partially renewed or appointed, the number of seats at stake is usually less than the total number of members.
31
Scope of elections
Scope of elections: Full renewal; Partial renewal.
Full renewal
Candidates
Total number of candidates
Total number of people who registered as candidates for election. Does not include people who stood as candidates to become "substitute members".
88
Number of male candidates
Number of male candidates
75
Number of female candidates
Number of female candidates
13
Percentage of women candidates
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women candidates by the total number of candidates.
14.77%
Number of parties contesting the election
This field may include either the number of parties contesting the election, or the number of coalitions/electoral alliance.
4
Voter turnout
Registration
Number of people registered to vote
182,815
Votes
Number of people who actually voted
149,650
Voter turnout
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of people who actually voted by the number of people registered to vote
81.86%
Results
About the election
Short description of the context and results of the election.
The People's United Party (PUP), led by former Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Briceño, defeated the United Democratic Party (UDP). The UDP had governed the country since 2008 under Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who had announced his retirement from politics before the election. After the election results had been announced, the UDP’s new leader Patrick Faber conceded defeat. On 12 November, the Governor General H.E. Sir Colville Young swore in Mr. Briceño as the new Prime Minister.
On 11 December, the new National Assembly (parliament) held its first session. Ms. Valerie Woods became the new Speaker of the House of Representatives and Ms. Carolyn Trench Sandiford became the Senate President (see note).
The 2020 elections were held amid an economic shock The country’s tourism-driven economy has been hit hard by worldwide travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Note:
Speaker Woods was designated from outside the House of Representatives and has become a member of parliament by virtue of holding the office of Speaker. The new House of Representatives thus comprises 32 members in all: the Speaker and 31 directly elected members, of whom four are women.
Senate President Sandiford was designated from outside the Senate and has become a member by virtue of holding the office of President. The new Senate thus comprises 14 senators in all: the President and 13 appointed senators, of whom four are women.
On 11 December, the new National Assembly (parliament) held its first session. Ms. Valerie Woods became the new Speaker of the House of Representatives and Ms. Carolyn Trench Sandiford became the Senate President (see note).
The 2020 elections were held amid an economic shock The country’s tourism-driven economy has been hit hard by worldwide travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Note:
Speaker Woods was designated from outside the House of Representatives and has become a member of parliament by virtue of holding the office of Speaker. The new House of Representatives thus comprises 32 members in all: the Speaker and 31 directly elected members, of whom four are women.
Senate President Sandiford was designated from outside the Senate and has become a member by virtue of holding the office of President. The new Senate thus comprises 14 senators in all: the President and 13 appointed senators, of whom four are women.
Number of parties winning seats
The number of parties which won parliamentary representation in the given election.
2
Percentage of parties winning seats
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of parties which won parliamentary representation by the number of parties contesting the election.
50%
Percentage of seats won by largest party or coalition
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of seats won by the largest party by the number of seats at stake in the election.
83.87%
Alternation of power after elections
The results of the elections caused a change in the government. "Not applicable" to countries using the presidential system when parliamentary and presidential elections are held separately, to countries in political transition or where there is no party system.
Yes
Number of parties in government
The government may be formed by one or more political parties
1
Names of parties in government
The government may be formed by one or more political parties
People's United Party (PUP)
Parties or coalitions winning seats
| Political group | Total |
|---|---|
| People's United Party (PUP) | 26 |
| United Democratic Party (UDP) | 5 |
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
28
Number of women elected
3
Percentage of women elected
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women elected in the election and the number of seats at stake at the election.
9.68%
Sources
House of Representatives (16.11.2020, 16.12.2020)
https://www.elections.gov.bz
BBC
www.belize.gov.bz
https://www.facebook.com/GOBPressOffice/
https://today.caricom.org/
http://jamaica-gleaner.com
https://www.elections.gov.bz
BBC
www.belize.gov.bz
https://www.facebook.com/GOBPressOffice/
https://today.caricom.org/
http://jamaica-gleaner.com
Women Directly Elected
3
Women Other
1
New legislature
Total number of men after the election
The total number of male parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
28
Total number of women after the election
The total number of female parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
4
Date of the first session
The date when the newly elected parliament/chamber was convened for the first time. It may be different from the date when members were sworn in.
11.12.2020
First Speaker of the new legislature
First Speaker of the new legislature
First name of the Speaker of the new legislature following the election or renewal.
Valerie
Woods
(Female)
Date of election
11.12.2020