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BOUNDARY REDISTRICTING 

What is Boundary Redistricting? 

The term boundary re-districting or boundary de-limitation is used interchangeably and is defined as: 

  • To fix the limits of electoral boundaries 
  • To alter electoral boundaries 

What is the Legal Framework for Boundary Redistricting? 

The legal framework is set out in Section 90 of the Belize Constitution: 

  • Section 90 (1) (a) states, “Each electoral division shall have as nearly as may be, an equal number of persons eligible to vote”. 
  • Section 90 (1) (b) states that total number of electoral divisions should not be less than 28 
  • Section 90 (2) states that in fixing boundaries, regard is to be given to transport, physical features, other facilities of the electoral division 

Who decides on Boundary Redistricting? 

  • The National Assembly makes the final decision. 
  • The Elections and Boundaries Commission makes proposals to the National Assembly. 
  • The National Assembly may accept all or part of the proposal submitted by the Elections and Boundaries Commission. 

Can there be less electoral divisions in the country? 

In accordance with Section 90 (1) of the Constitution of Belize the total number of electoral divisions shall be not less than thirty-one (31) 
(Increase of Electoral Division Act II of 2005) 

When will the new electoral boundaries come into effect? 

Section 91 of the Belize Constitution states that any redistricting of electoral divisions effected in accordance with Section 90 of the Belize Constitution shall in respect of the election of members of the House of Representatives come into operation at the next general election held after such re-division and not earlier. 

When will the public be made aware of the new electoral divisions? 

After the re-districting becomes Law, the Chief Elections Officer is to: 

  • Adjust the electoral register of the electoral divisions affected 
  • Compile new registers of electors if there are new electoral divisions 
  • Within 90 days publish provisional registers 

The Law (Representation of The People Act) provides for 10 days for electors to make corrections and objections to names in the Provisional Registers.