UDP removes Alberto August from the Elections and Boundaries Commission

A decision within the United Democratic Party (UDP) to remove long-serving representative Alberto August from the Elections and Boundaries Commission is drawing sharp criticism from within its own ranks.  The move comes at a time when the country prepares for the imminent redistricting exercise and with municipal elections just about a year away.  In a letter dated April 2, members of the UDP’s Western Caucus formally objected to the move, describing it as troubling and expressing “deep concern, disappointment and dissatisfaction” over the decision. Alberto August, who has represented the UDP for over a decade, was praised in the letter for what the caucus described as his “impressive performance” and steadfast advocacy on behalf of the party, particularly during key electoral matters. The group argued that his experience and institutional knowledge make him an essential figure on the commission.  The Western Caucus also raised concerns about what it called a pattern of centralized decision-making within the party, suggesting that the replacement of August with two Belize City-based individuals lacks balance and fails to adequately reflect regional representation. They further warned that sidelining key regions could weaken party unity and morale, especially among supporters outside the Belize District.  In their correspondence to Party Leader Tracy Taegar Panton, the caucus is calling for immediate corrective action, including the possible reinstatement of August, even if it requires the resignation of one of the current appointees.  Despite their objections, the Western Caucus reaffirmed its support for the party’s leadership, noting that their concerns are being raised in the interest of strengthening the UDP and ensuring fairness and inclusiveness in its decision-making process.  Up to news time, August was yet to be reinstated. The controversy surrounding August’s removal comes amid broader challenges emerging in the west.  The issues are significant enough to prompt party leadership to travel to the region to meet directly with caucus members this past weekend. Among those concerns is the recent resignation of Omar Figueroa as the UDP’s Cayo North caretaker.