Should Ralph Fonseca run in 2008 or should he retire from electoral politics? It is the single most speculated upon question in the political arena, and tonight, one political heavyweight has weighed in, mightily.
In his weekly column in The Belize Times, Tourism Minister and Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Smith, asks "Should Ralph run in 2008?" His answer? He should not. Smith says, "Mr. Fonseca has...become a flashpoint, within and without the party. His detractors will not change their minds about him." He concludes, "the pragmatic path, the path of least resistance, lies in Mr. Fonseca announcing that he will not run again."
That's a dramatic conclusion, particularly from a Deputy Party Leader and someone who insiders say has emerged as a close ally of Fonseca. Smith goes to some lengths to make it clear that Fonseca has played a pivotal role in the creation of the modern PUP, noting his central role in gathering campaign financing.
He laments, "an announcement that he will not run again will be perceived as a signal to campaign financiers...and thus will exacerbate the ebb of funding to the party." He notes also that, "a decision not to run will create a huge power vacuum that will unleash an uncontrollable internal power struggle, extending well beyond 2008."
Smith notes that the irony in the fact that Fonseca who built his political reputation on decisiveness - has been indecisive on this most critical matter. Fonseca is presently out of the country.
For months rumors have abounded that due in part to poor health Fonseca will not offer himself for the Belize Rural Central convention which is slated for next month. Dolores Balderamos Garcia and Cardo Martinez have expressed interest.
