In a press release issued today, Jerry Enriquez announced that he has filed an appeal against the ruling of Justice Hondora and is seeking an urgent injunction to halt the March 12 general elections, arguing that holding elections without redistricting is unconstitutional and violates Section 90 of Belize’s Constitution.
Enriquez’s legal action, filed through attorney Anand Ramlogan, contests the extreme malapportionment of Belize’s electoral divisions, claiming that the disparities in voting populations disenfranchise thousands of Belizeans. He asserts that the government’s failure to address redistricting over the last two decades is a blatant violation of the democratic rights of Belizeans.
In his statement, Enriquez declared that he is pursuing this legal fight for the future of the nation and its citizens. He warned that an election held under these conditions is both fraudulent and unconstitutional. He has expressed readiness to escalate the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) if necessary.
According to Enriquez, Belize’s population has grown by over 50% since the last redistricting in 1998, yet the electoral boundaries remain unchanged. This has resulted in a 65% deviation in voting populations among constituencies.
Despite acknowledgments from successive governments that redistricting is necessary, no meaningful action has been taken. Proposals from the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) have been stalled, and a redistricting bill remains tied up in a parliamentary sub-committee where the government holds a majority. Enriquez argues that this political maneuvering ensures that the electoral imbalance remains unaddressed.
Enriquez further criticized the government’s handling of the election announcement, noting that he had formally requested advance notice from the Prime Minister. However, within 48 hours of his request, the election date was set, raising concerns about the timing and intent behind the decision. He accused the administration of using legal loopholes and bureaucratic delays to maintain an electoral system that benefits entrenched political elites.
The lack of response from civil society organizations and key institutions has also drawn Enriquez’s criticism. He contends that the continued silence reflects a historical pattern of disenfranchisement and suppression, likening the current government’s inaction to past colonial practices.
Enriquez maintains that his actions are rooted in a commitment to justice, fairness, and democratic integrity. He reaffirmed that his affidavits, submitted digitally due to the urgency of the case, were legitimate and beyond question. He also extended gratitude to his legal counsel, Anand Ramlogan, for his unwavering support despite what Enriquez described as politically motivated attacks on his character.
In closing, Enriquez cited the national prayer and the oath of office recited by Belizean leaders, urging them to act with integrity and uphold their constitutional duty. He called upon Belizeans to recognize the gravity of the situation, stating that without fair electoral representation, democracy itself is at risk.
With his case now pending an appeal, Enriquez remains steadfast in his goal to ensure that any upcoming elections comply with Belize’s constitutional framework and guarantee equal representation for all voters.
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