Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Belize is divided into thirty-one electoral divisions.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Part VI, Section 89 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 17: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-people-act-2011
Verified: 2025/03/24
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers g . Other
Comments: Transport and other facilities of the division are also taken into consideration.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Part VI, Section 90: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 17: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-people-act-2011
Verified: 2025/03/24
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: The Electoral and Boundaries Commission is the only Electoral Management Body that is empowered to make proposals on boundary redistricting to the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Part VI, Section 90: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 17 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-people-act-2011
Verified: 2025/03/24
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
f . Inherited monarchy with a Governor appointed by the Monarch
Comments: Belize is part of the Commowealth. As such, the Governor-General appointed by Her Majesty must be a citizen of Belize and shall be Her Majesty's Representative in Belize.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Sections 30 & 36: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor General. Whenever the Governor-General has occasion to appoint a Prime Minister he shall appoint a member of the House of Representatives who is the leader of the political party which commands the support of the majority of the members of that House; and if no political party has an overall majority, he shall appoint a member of that House who appears to him likely to command the support of the majority of the members of that House.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 37: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Belize is a parliamentary democracy, whose Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor General.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 30 & 36: aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: Belize’s National Assembly comprises two Houses: A House of Representatives and a Senate.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 55: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The House of Representatives is composed of 31 elected members elected in single-member constituencies.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 56 (1), 89 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 17 (3): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 88–93: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/ ;
Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
Recall Law: “Recall of Elected Representatives Act, Chapter 9:01”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-recall-of-elected-representatives-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections d . Referendums
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 88–93: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/ ;
Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
Recall Law: “Recall of Elected Representatives Act, Chapter 9:01”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-recall-of-elected-representatives-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 92: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/ ;
International IDEA Voter Turnout Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/question-country?question_id=9240&country=23&database_theme=293
Verified: 2025/03/24
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: Every election petition shall be tried by the Chief Justice or by a judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the Chief Justice for the purpose.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 47: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 88 (13): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature d . A national government department
Comments: The Boundaries and Elections Department is part of the Ministry of Public Service, which submits its budget to the Ministry of Finance for it to be approved by the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 115: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 66: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: The Auditor-General.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 120: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: For a term of five years. The Elections and Boundaries Commission is composed of one Chairman and four other members.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 88 (5): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
c . Mixed
Comments: The Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) is not subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority, while the Electoral and Boundaries Department—which reports to the Ministry of the Public Service and the EBC—is responsible for the day-to-day administration and all phases of the electoral process.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 88: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 10 & 11: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Elections and Boundaries Commission is composed of 5 members, a Chairman and four other members who shall be persons of integrity and high national standing.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Sections 48 & 88: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: The chairman and two other members of the Elections and Boundaries Commission shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, and the remaining two members shall be appointed by the Governor-General acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given with the concurrence of the Leader of the Opposition.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 88: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State b . Head of Government d . Opposition
Comments: The EMB members are appointed by the Governor General with the advice of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 88: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Elections and Boundaries Department.
Source: Election and Boundaries Department’s web page: https://elections.gov.bz/the-department/
Verified: 2025/03/24
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Election and Boundaries Department’s web page: https://elections.gov.bz/the-department/
Verified: 2025/03/24
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source: Election and Boundaries Department’s web page: https://elections.gov.bz/the-department/
Verified: 2025/03/24
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 92 (a): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence
Comments: To register within a division, the citizen must have resided there for at least 2 months. Citizens of any Commonwealth country with a residence of no less than 12 months can register to vote in Belize.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Elections and Boundaries Department.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/ ;
Election and Boundaries Department’s web page: https://elections.gov.bz/the-department/
Verified: 2025/03/24
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Although not being registered means a person cannot vote.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Belize’s Constitution refers to individuals being nominated to be elected as members of the House of Representatives, not to political parties.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Schedule III, Section 3 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Citizenship d . Residence
Comments: The residence should be of at least one year immediately before the date of the nomination. Besides, for a candidate’s nomination to be valid, BZD 200 must be deposited.
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 57: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/
Verified: 2025/03/24
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: The registration procedures and provisions refer to individual candidates, regardless of their membership or lack thereof to any political party.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Schedule III, Section 3: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/ ;
Preliminary Report of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission for the General Elections of
March 12, 2025 in Belize: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-oas-eom-2025-preliminary-report/ ;
International IDEA Political Finance Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=302
Verified: 2025/03/24
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: There is no public funding in Belize.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/ ;
Preliminary Report of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission for the General Elections of
March 12, 2025 in Belize: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-oas-eom-2025-preliminary-report/ ;
International IDEA Political Finance Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=302
Verified: 2025/03/24
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Although public funding is the only source of political finance in Belize, it is not regulated.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/ ;
Preliminary Report of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission for the General Elections of
March 12, 2025 in Belize: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-oas-eom-2025-preliminary-report/ ;
International IDEA Political Finance Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=302
Verified: 2025/03/24
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Schedule III, Sections 27 & 29: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request f . Other
Comments: During the counting, a request can be made to the returning officer for a recount or to recheck any figures recorded, but the returning officer may refuse to do so if in his/her opinion the request is unreasonable. Besides, the returning officer may, at his/her discretion, recount or direct the recount when he/she is not satisfied with the accuracy of the previous count.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Schedule III, Sections 29 (2 & 3): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: There is no allocation of free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to political parties.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/ ;
International IDEA Political Finance Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=302
Verified: 2025/03/24
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: A debate was organised in 2015 by The San Pedro Sun and Reef TV, but it was between those contesting for Area Representative of Belize Rural South.
Source: "Belize Rural North Candidates Holds Public Debate”: https://edition.channel5belize.com/belize-rural-north-candidates-holds-public-debate/
“Belize Rural South Standard Bearers participate in debate ahead of general election”: https://www.sanpedrosun.com/politics-and-government/2025/03/07/belize-rural-south-standard-bearer-participate-in-debate-ahead-of-general-election/
“Belize Rural South Standard Bearers participate in historic debates”: http://www.sanpedrosun.com/politics-and-government/2015/10/29/belize-rural-south-standard-bearers-participate-in-historic-debates/
Verified: 2025/03/24
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Although an amount could be set through regulations on the matter.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/ ;
International IDEA Political Finance Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=302
Verified: 2025/03/24
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
Recall Law: “Recall of Elected Representatives Act, Chapter 9:01”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-recall-of-elected-representatives-act-2020/
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=309
Verified: 2025/03/24
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”, Section 2 (1 a, c & d): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=309
Verified: 2025/03/24
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”, Section 2 (1 b): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=309
Verified: 2025/03/24
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 68: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=309
Verified: 2025/03/24
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 68: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=309
Verified: 2025/03/24
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 59 (2 f): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Recall Law: “Recall of Elected Representatives Act, Chapter 9:01”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-recall-of-elected-representatives-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: A simple majority is needed to decide the referendum.
Source: Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
Recall Law: “Recall of Elected Representatives Act, Chapter 9:01”, Section 5A: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-recall-of-elected-representatives-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
b . Only other issues than constitutional changes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 69: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”, Section 2: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”, Section 2 (1 b): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
Recall Law: “Recall of Elected Representatives Act, Chapter 9:01”, Section 3 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-recall-of-elected-representatives-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: Staff employed in an essential service (including policemen, electoral officers and assistants of the electoral officer) in a division other than the one where they are registered and members of the defence forces may vote by proxy.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Schedule III, Section 18 & 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
f . Diplomatic staff
Comments: It is limited to the persons employed outside Belize in any Belizean Embassy, High Commission, Diplomatic Mission or Consulate, including their spouses and dependents.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Schedule III, Section 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
d . By proxy
Comments: It is limited to the persons employed outside Belize in any Belizean Embassy, High Commission, Diplomatic Mission or Consulate, including their spouses and dependents.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Schedule III, Section 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Schedule III, Section 15, 21 (9): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
Verified: 2025/03/24
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