Senator Chanona Calls for Stronger Public Consultation in National Decisions

Senator Janelle Chanona, the Senate representative for Non-Governmental Organizations, is urging stronger and more meaningful public consultation in national decision-making, warning that democracy is weakened when citizens are excluded from the process.  In a statement issued today, Senator Chanona said public consultation must be more than a formality, stressing that it should be a genuine two-way engagement where people’s views are heard and reflected in final decisions. She emphasized that consultation should happen early, be transparent, and include marginalized and underrepresented groups.  Chanona noted that meaningful consultation helps build trust in government, improves the quality of policies, reduces conflict, and strengthens accountability. She also echoed comments recently made by Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh, agreeing that consultation is “the heart of a modern democracy”.  The senator cautioned that dismissing public input or treating consultation as a box-ticking exercise fuels frustration and disengagement, ultimately benefiting entrenched power structures rather than the public interest. She warned that democracy globally is under pressure and said Belize must guard against apathy and division by keeping citizens actively involved.  Chanona concluded by calling on Belizeans across the political spectrum to remain engaged and united, saying that placing meaningful consultation at the center of governance is essential to protecting and strengthening the country’s democracy.