Toledo East Prepares for Upcoming Bi-Elections

Public officers in Southern Belize are preparing for the upcoming Toledo East Bi-Elections slated for July 17. Senior Toledo Correspondent Paul Mahung tells us more.

Paul Mahung, Toledo Correspondent: Officers of Toledo Police Formation participated in training sessions focusing on their role during upcoming Toledo East by-election. Tuesday afternoon’s session was facilitated by Toledo East by-election returning officer Therese Martinez. 

Therese Martinez, Returning Officer: “We had a session with the police department in Punta Gorda and the importance of having this session with them is to have a refresher with them on what is their role in the whole election process. It’s very important because as a stakeholder the police plays a very important role to ensure that there is law and order on election day. And so it was important for us to discuss with them what are some of the expectations and what it is that they must assist us with during the election time. We went over some aspects of what it is that is required in polling stations, outside of holding stations. What it is that they are to provide instructions to them because there are election workers who will seek their assistance at some point and so it is important for them to understand what it is that will be sought of them and who has the authority to seek that assistance from them. And the whole purpose of this is to ensure that on election day we have a smooth and safe election.”

Paul Mahung, Toledo Correspondent: Another speaker at the event was officer in command Toledo Police Formation, Superintendent Brent Hamilton, who emphasized the importance for all members of Toledo Police Formation to clearly understand and effectively implement police operational orders during the entire by-election process. 

Superintendent Brent Hamilton, Officer Commanding Toledo Police Formation: “It was important today that we sit down with our officers and go through our operational procedures when it comes to the by election, which is next week, Wednesday. It is important that police know their role, the do’s and don’ts, and must understand that it is very important that they do not interfere or hinder or have any kind of destruction of the election. The police must maintain law and order and we must go under the people who are the experts of the Election and Boundaries to give us the directions or the directives of how they want to go. And so the police is not there to oppress or to dismantle or to break up no such election. We are simply here to train as a refresher and to know what is our role and function. That is what we are doing today.”

Paul Mahung, Toledo Correspondent: Hamilton commented that members of Toledo Police Formation are prepared to carry out their role during next Wednesday, July 17, Toledo East by-election, with some 7,575 registered voters and 10 polling stations made available in Punta Gorda and rural communities. Paul Mahung, Love News, Toledo.

The country’s political parties are also preparing for the elections. Today, Toledo West Area Representative Oscar Requena spoke about the ongoing campaign efforts for his party’s candidate Dr. Osmond Martinez.

Oscar Requena, Area Representative, Toledo West: “Yes I believe that he is a very good candidate. Dr. Martinez brings a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm and really just his charisma and his ability to connect with the people. I think we have seen that on the ground and you know he’s working very hard, touching base with the people, going out into the communities. I think a very important aspect is that you know as a party we are united. We know that there was a convention and after the convention it was imperative for us to unite. We have united, we understand the importance of ensuring that w win Toledo East an all hands are on deck and I feel very confident that Dr.Osmond Martinez is going to deliver the seat July 17th.” 

Martinez will face off against the UDP’s Dennis Williams and the PNP’s Wil Maheia.