For decades, Belize has talked about cleaning up campaign financing, but the rules have never really caught up with the politics. Now, a new report from the Belize Policy Research Institute at the University of Belize is putting money in politics back under the microscope. The study, titled Money in Belizean Politics: Breaking the Regulation Deadlock, argues that Belize’s lack of political finance laws has helped fuel corruption, strengthened handout politics and made it harder for alternative political voices to compete. The report lays out thirteen recommendations for regulating political parties and campaign financing. Today, we spoke with BELPRI-UB Executive Director Doctor Dylan Vernon about one area where public funds may already be functioning like political financing: the constituency development fund.
Dr. Dylan Vernon
Dr. Dylan Vernon, Executive Director, BELPRI
“The general point the report is that while Belize does not have official public funding of political party candidates, that public resources in Belize can be used or abused to influence voters and constituents. And while, there are some programs like the constituency development funds that has the objective of developing projects in constituencies, the questions is always deciding who gets what. And even for these official programs, which we have seen an increase overtime, the answer to the question is that it is usually the elected politician from that constituency that make these decision. So, in a sense political finance can come from public resources. it is even more blatantly down with the seasonal Christmas assistance, summer assistance before school opens, which is short term. But at the end of the day, who decides who gets what, if it is a politician or political party, it is political financing.”
Pollard Faces Tough Questions on Campaign Financing
Allan Pollard Jr. says political finance reform is a big ask, but not an impossible one. The P.U.P. mayoral aspirant was at today’s BELPRI report launch in Belize City, where the focus was on money in politics and the urgent need for regulation. So, we asked him directly: does he support political finance laws? And just as importantly, would he be willing to reveal who is bankrolling his own campaign? Pollard also shared what he would do if campaign donors expect favors after the votes are counted.
Allan Pollard Jr.
Allan Pollard Jr., Mayoral Aspirant, Belize City
“I think it will to an extent restore some level of trust that we have seen eroded overtime. I think a lot of people are upset that in certain areas there is a lack of accountability and transparency. And I think this is the perfect step in fixing that. For me, I have nothing to hide. When I compare it to the other big ministers, for me the local government, I don’t solicit a lot of funds. So for me I would not have an issue with that, and anyone who is financing my campaign usually have my best interest and the city’s interest at heart. So, I am sure they would not have any difficulty disclosing as well.”
Paul Lopez
“But, do you ever see it an investment from the financier, to say, in the future I want something in return.”
Allan Pollard Jr.
“I don’t see it like that. I see it as business men investing in their country and city, so making sure they protect their investment. I think if the proper people are at the helm, especially where local government is concerned, then they have a level of ease as it relates to doing business in the city. They look at it from that standpoint.”
BELPRI has scheduled a meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño to present the findings contained in its report.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
