Belizean legislative election, 2003
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A legislative election was held in Belize on 5 March 2003. Belizeans elected 29 members to the House of Representatives for a term of five years.
The ruling People's United Party (PUP) won the largest share (22) of seats in the election.
[edit] Background
The PUP were seeking a second consecutive term in office after recording significant development in the economy from 1998 to 2003. Their opponents, the UDP, sought to replace them in office because of charges of corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Previous to this election, the parties had alternated their time in office since Independence.
Elections were called early; they had not been constitutionally due until at least November of 2003.
The election was tagged as featuring the highest number of independent candidates ever, including former UDP candidate Wilfred Elrington in Pickstock. Elrington finished second to winner Godfrey Smith but doubled up UDP choice Diane Haylock.
As a postscript, Cayo South winner Agripino Cawich Sr. died of illness in August 2003. UDP candidate John Saldivar, who had lost to Cawich in March, won the subsequent by-election over son Joaquin Cawich in October.
[edit] Election results
| Parties | Votes | % | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| People's United Party | 52,934 | 53.16 | 22 |
| United Democratic Party | 45,376 | 45.57 | 7 |
| Independents | 1,260 | 1.27 | - |
| Total valid votes | 99,570 | 100.00 | 29 |
| Invalid votes | 770 | ||
| Total votes cast (turnout: 79.5%) | 100,340 | ||
| Registered voters | 126,202 | ||
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Belizean general elections
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