San Pedro, Belize – Andre Perez of the People’s United Party (PUP) has been re-elected as the Area Representative for Belize Rural South, securing a decisive victory over his opponents. Official results show Perez receiving 3,418 votes, while United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate Manuel Heredia Jr. garnered 1,898 votes. Abner Bacab of the Belizean Justice Movement received 159 votes, and Mahmoud ‘Dani’ Lagha of the UDP received 110 votes.
Election Results for Belize Rural South
Total Registered Voters: 10,149
Ballots Cast: 5,748
Voter Turnout: 56.64%
Election Results Country-wide
197,018 Registered Electors
128,262 Ballots Cast
65.1% Voter Turnout
Andre Perez Humbled and Motivated
“I am humbled, the work has been done in the past four years and there is much more to be one in the next five year, commented Andre Perez. “The plan has been set for Plan Belize 2.0; I am committed, I am inspired, I am motivated. I am humbled by the people of Belize Rural South for giving me the opportunity to serve them a second time and be re-elected. I am truly grateful.”
Heredia Concedes, Ends Political Career
Following his defeat, Manuel Heredia Jr., a veteran UDP politician who served Belize Rural South for decades, formally conceded and announced his retirement from electoral politics.
“Tonight, the people of Belize Rural South have spoken. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Andre Perez on his victory. The people have made their choice, and we respect their decision,” Heredia stated.
He reflected on his years of service, calling it “the greatest honor” of his life. Despite stepping away from politics, he encouraged new and young leaders to step up and continue working towards the betterment of Belize Rural South.
Bacab Celebrates Personal Milestone
Though he finished third in the race, Abner Bacab of the Belizean Justice Movement expressed optimism and gratitude for the support he received. “I want to thank my campaign team and every voter who believed in me. This is not the end, but the beginning of something much greater!” Bacab said. He celebrated his results as a new personal record and hinted at future political ambitions.
Nationwide Results: PUP Dominates, UDP Left with Five Seats
Across the country, the PUP won a landslide victory, securing 26 of the 31 electoral seats. The UDP, meanwhile, managed to hold onto just five seats, with victories in:
Albert Division – Tracy Panton (UDP)
Queen’s Square – Godwin Haylock (UDP)
Cayo West – Miguel Guerra (UDP)
Mesopotamia – Lee Mark Chang (UDP)
Corozal North – Hugo Patt (UDP)
More Election 2025 Details at Elections and Boundaries Department
Prime Minister John Briceño, speaking from Orange Walk Central, declared that the election results reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to democracy and independence. He thanked all PUP candidates and supporters for their role in securing the victory and emphasized that work on “Plan Belize 2.0” would begin immediately.
“Tonight we celebrate, but tomorrow the work begins anew,” Briceño stated. The updated national development plan will focus on job creation, economic transformation, education, healthcare, housing, and measures to combat the rising cost of living.
With the PUP now holding a strong majority, Andre Perez and his fellow representatives will move forward with the next phase of governance, promising continued improvements for the people of Belize.
