And while Jeffries pulled some showtime moves for the UDP crowd, by dawn, the jokes would be over and the celebration was on in earnest. Just before 7:00 am Zenaida Moya and her team declared victory and 7NEWS was there at the City Center as they emerged triumphant.
Zenaida Moya, Mayor Elect
"Its almost official, two to one, that is how it is looking right now. There are only a few votes left to count and that's it."
Alfonso Noble,
This is a sweeping victory for the UDP in that in almost every district you've won. What does this mean for the country and for you struggle?
Zenaida Moya,
"Well what this means is we now have a city council, a god fearing city council, a city with team members who will have God at the center of things and therefore work for the people. What we were fighting for was like good against evil and what we have always have to do is ensure good prevail."
Alfonso Noble,
Does the fight start now in that you all still have to face a PUP central government?
Zenaida Moya,
"Well this is the wish of the people, they have elected us, it was an election and they have to respect the residents. The residents are the ones that we are there to serve."
Alfonso Noble,
What made you win?
Zenaida Moya,
"We believe it was a combination of things. It was hard work, commitment, we did leave this in the hands of God, and people also are fed up of all the corruption and the mismanagement of funds and at the end of the day you know what people are just sick and tired of being taken advantage of."
Alfonso Noble,
What is the first thing for Mayor Zenaida Moya?
Zenaida Moya,
"Well the first thing is I need to rest, I definitely need to rest...my councilors and I, we need some rest."
But she didn't go and rest, after declaring victory, Moya and her exuberant supporters went on a motorcade through what is now her city - as Belize's first female mayor. And maybe still in election mode, she continued with the canvassing.
