The PUP held municipal conventions yesterday in Belmopan and Punta Gorda.
It was a surprise outcome in the capital where Pablo Cawich and his slate of newcomers bested the slate strongly supported by the area rep Oscar Mira.
That slate was led by Tariq Cano - who was the area rep's choice to replace disgruntled outgoing mayor, Sheran Palacio. But, despite Mora's backing - or perhaps because of it - Cano and his slate of existing councillors all lost, with the exception of Sanie Cal, who was elected to join Cawich's slate of 5.
This has created the unusual situation of a lame duck council, where all - save one - of the existing councillors have lost their party's mandate, while their mayor was basically shown the door by that same party.
And in Punta Gorda, current Mayor Charles Selgado was also defeated. In a four way convention he finished third. Former Mayor Carlos Obeah Galvez was the top vote getter, easily besting Selgado who was the area rep's choice, while Chips Norales who came in second. Galvez is a former two term mayor, and, while experienced, is not at all seen as a fresh face of the PUP. Between 2003 and 2018, he contested four municipal elections for the PUP - winning two and losing two.
