The UDP is recovering from its second worst general elections loss in history - while at the same time trying to re-tool for the municipal elections in just a month.
And while they lost at Lott at the polls on November eleventh - they are still. Trying to hold not a lot. Here's a look at their prospects for the "muni's":
The UDP is in an unusual position - out of power in central government, but still having residual power in the municipalities.
They are the incumbents in 6 of the 9 municipalities countrywide; the other 3 are controlled by the PUP councils. The UDP currently holds 41 of the total 67 municipal seats; while the PUP holds 26, including a minority seat in the UDP Dangriga Council.
The party is now trying to build on those 6 municipalities and 41 local government seats. Last night, they presented their slates and candidates who will contest next month's elections.
In Belmopan, a UDP Council is finishing up their mandate under Mayor Khalid Belisle. He's due to be appointed as a UDP Senator, and so, City Councillor Jacklyn Burns is stepping up in hopes be becoming the Garden City's next Mayor.
Jacklyn "Jackie" Burns - UDP Mayoral Candidate Belmopan "Under the 5-term stretch of a UDP-led Belmopan City Council, our municipality has transformed into a dynamic, vibrant, and almost perfectly maintained oasis. But the work is far from finished. And with our wonderful team, we will get there."
In San Pedro, where another UDP Council is finishing up its term in Office, the UDP has an entirely new team who wants to transition into office.
Outgoing Mayor Daniel Guerrero isn't seeking another term in office, and so, Ruben Gonzalez, a returning town councillor candidate, is seeking to step up as Guerrero's successor.
Ruben "Rux" Gonzalez - UDP Mayoral Candidate, San Pedro "I have taken up the task to contest the Mayoral seat, along with an exceptional, refreshing, and energized team. As you can see, this slate is young, fresh, diverse and full of energy, they are our new councillor candidates but they are veterans throughout the community."
For the Elections in Orange Walk, the party has already introduced its team to the general public.
But they're running for office in the constituency controlled by Prime Minister John Briceno, as well as Orange Walk East that went blue only 3 months ago in the General Elections.
The multi-term mayor, Kevin Bernard, even went on to become an Area Representative. This is the UDP team that hopes to unseat the ruling PUP Council.
Orlando "Chicle" Castillo - UDP Mayoral Candidate, OW "We have Shamika Bull, a young lady who knows that new energy and new hope are needed to steer our municipality in the right direction. Lovely residence of Orange Walk Town, we are your UDP 7, we offer you new leadership and renewed hope."
In Dangriga, the UDP is attempting is hold on to its majority seats under the continued leadership of the 3-term Mayor, Francis Humphreys.
Francis Humphreys - Incumbent UDP Mayor, Dangriga "Ladies and gentlemen of Dangriga our town council slate is one of the most richly talented and competent slates in the entire country. We are a force to recon with and while we want to keep the predators from derailing our train, our paramount focus is on you."
The red party is trying to maintain local government power in Benque Viejo. Their team is being led by Miguel Guerra, son of the late Pedro Guerra Mena, UDP parliamentarian from the early post-independence Belize.
Narrator "UDP Benque talented slate includes Mr. Alvaro Gongora who is a community activist and worker, Mr. Tony Guerra who is a worker and has dedicated to serving you. Next up, we have Abilio Leon, he has always delivered sporting opportunities and events to our residence and will continue doing so. Charles Ponce is an inspiring young man who is active in sports and is passionate about youth development. We also have Manuel Contreras, who has insured that our public spaces are always well maintained. Finally, we have Miguel Gonzales who has championed infrastructural development in our town."
