Belizean general election, 1979

Belize

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General elections were held in Belize on 21 November 1979. The result was a victory for the ruling People's United Party, which won 13 of the 18 seats. Voter turnout was 89.9%.

Background

In 1979, Belizeans were concerned about their progress toward independence and the Guatemalan claim to the colony. The opposition United Democratic Party were not in favour of advancing on the former issue without a substantial settlement of the latter, and this led the PUP to turn the election into a sort of referendum on that question. By their turnout (a record high) and their support for the PUP, Belizeans made clear their preferences and set in motion the chain of events that would lead to independence in 1981.

Results

Party	Votes	%	Seats	+/-
People's United Party	23,309	52.4	13	+1
United Democratic Party	21,045	47.4	5	-1
Toledo Progressive Party	96	0.2	0	New
Invalid/blank votes	521	-	-	-
Total	44,971	100	18	0
Source: Nohlen