The February 7th general election could be decided by young first time voters. They account for roughly 30% of registered voters and they are a key demographic because they are the swing voters, the ones who've never voted but who already know the power of the ballot. And that is why politicians have been courting them - and which is why today politicians took time off the campaign trail to meet with tertiary level students. The meeting is really a forum organized by the Catholic Church's Faith and Justice Commission. It should be wrapping up now but it began at 4:30 at the Radisson Hotel. Well over one hundred students - many of whom have never voted - attended and asked Lisa Shoman from the PUP, Patrick Faber from the UDP, and Patrick Rogers from the VIP tough questions. Sister Carolee and Cynthia Williams from the Faith and Justice Commission organized the forum.
Cynthia William, Faith and Justice Commission
"Young people that are in the tertiary educational institutions man y times are not interested in participating in the election process and so for us that was the primary objective - to have them come here to listen in a space which is respectful and which is neutral and they can actually listen to what each individual political party is bringing to the table."
Sister Carolee Chanona, Faith and Justice Commission
"We thought it was very important that an opportunity be created for
mature reflection and discussion on the issues that are of concern to all of us as Belizeans and that we move beyond campaign rhetoric and the hype, and you know all that accompanies them these days, to seriously look at the questions and hear what the parties are aspiring to do so that the voters are able to exercise that democratic right in a conscientious way. And someone might ask why the Faith and Justice Commission is getting into politics - well to exercise our democratic right is a recognized right for all of us."
Cynthia William,
"For the young people we hope to see an increase in their participation more and more - and to invite each Belizean to really think critically - not to just go and vote or to let other people decide for them. Rather they stand on their own and decide who they want as their leaders."
Keith Swift,
For the People's United Party, how important is the youth vote?
Henry Usher, PUP Secretary General
"Very important Keith, I think in this election it is critical that our candidates reach out to young people - embrace what they have, what their desires are, and touch them in a way that is positive to them so that they can support the PUP."
Henry Usher says that the PUP will launch its youth policy tomorrow. The NBA and NRP were invited but they didn't send a representative.
