As the race for Belize City’s mayoral seat enters its pre-convention phase, all political eyes are fixed on Anthony Mahler, the long-serving Pickstock Area Representative, whose endorsement is widely viewed as the deciding factor that could swing the contest to either of the two declared candidates. The ruling People’s United Party (PUP) is set to select its standard-bearer for the upcoming municipal election through an internal party convention, where two young political hopefuls, Eluide Miller and Allan Pollard, have already thrown their hats into the ring.
Political observers across Belize have framed this as Mahler’s ‘kingmaker moment’; his deep roots in city-wide party structures and established base of grassroots support give any candidate he backs a massive early advantage in the race for the nomination. When pressed by reporters this week to reveal which contender he would support, Mahler kept his cards close to his chest, declining to make any public endorsement at this stage.
Mahler did, however, frame the competitive race as a net positive for Belizean democracy, praising the two young candidates for their drive and fresh perspective. “We have two young aspirants who have energy and who are creative. And then we will see where that goes,” he told reporters, adding that he would first consult with his local party executive before reaching a final decision on where the Pickstock delegation will throw its support.
When asked about calls that this cycle is Pollard’s “turn” after he was asked to step aside for another candidate in the 2021 convention, Mahler pushed back against the framing. He noted that the narrative of “waiting your turn” has been used to discourage countless aspiring politicians throughout history, including former US President Barack Obama, who defied early claims he was not ready for national office. “If you really want something you will go for it,” Mahler said. “They said that to me in the past that it is not your time either, go somewhere else or do this. … lets go to a convention and lets see where that ends up.”
While Miller and Pollard are the only two declared candidates so far, rumors are circulating that current Belize City Administrator Candice Pitts is also considering a bid for the PUP nomination. As of this week, Pitts has not issued any public statement confirming or denying whether she plans to enter the race.
This report is adapted from a transcript of a live evening television broadcast, originally published online for Belizean audiences.