Belize elects opposition leader to succeed retiring prime minister

"While there were winners and losers, the democracy that we have continued to enjoy throughout the life of this great young nation, is by far the greatest winner today," Patrick Faber, leader of Barrow's conservative United Democratic Party (UDP), said in an overnight concession speech posted on Facebook. Barrow, who is stepping down, ran Belize for more than a dozen years.

Belize voters have elected opposition leader Johnny Briceno to replace longtime Prime Minister Dean Barrow in a general election on Wednesday after the ruling party conceded defeat in the small Central American nation. "While there were winners and losers, the democracy that we have continued to enjoy throughout the life of this great young nation, is by far the greatest winner today," Patrick Faber, leader of Barrow's conservative United Democratic Party (UDP), said in an overnight concession speech posted on Facebook.

Barrow, who is stepping down, ran Belize for more than a dozen years. Briceno, a former deputy prime minister, is the leader of the center-left People's United Party (PUP). The election came at a time of widespread discontent over the state of Belize's economy, which was in the doldrums long before measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus decimated tourism, the main driver of prosperity.

"The issues that drive me to vote are the economy, the integrity of our government institutions, and a long-term plan for the country's development," said Jose Alpuche, 40, an attorney.

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