Over the weekend, Belize’s United Democratic Party (UDP) finalized its candidates for two key mayoral races ahead of the 2027 municipal elections, locking in nominees to represent the party in the constituencies of Dangriga and Benque Viejo del Carmen.
In Dangriga, party delegates gathered Sunday for a nomination convention where Dwayne Sampson secured an overwhelming victory to claim the UDP mayoral banner. Sampson defeated challenger Christalyn Castillo by a wide margin, taking 687 votes to Castillo’s 195, with total convention turnout reaching 886 eligible voters. This nomination marks a significant turning point in Sampson’s political career: after two prior runs for municipal office as an independent candidate, 2027 will mark his first campaign competing under a major party’s banner.
Speaking to local outlet News 5 following his win, Sampson emphasized his long-standing commitment to the Dangriga community, noting, “I’ve been a community servant for almost two decades, so the support is good.” Looking ahead to the general election campaign, Sampson has already laid out two core policy priorities that will anchor his platform: expanding and promoting cultural tourism in the coastal Stann Creek District capital, a region renowned for its Garifuna cultural heritage, and establishing a new community outreach initiative he calls “clinic days.” These regular public sessions will allow municipal councillors to meet directly with residents, listen to local concerns, and address neighborhood issues in a transparent, accessible format.
Across the country in the western border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen, another nomination convention saw Yusuf Guerra secure the UDP mayoral nomination, defeating opponent Danette Mendez by a lopsided 405 to 119 vote margin. In a show of party unity, Mendez will remain on the UDP municipal ticket for 2027, taking the sixth and final councillor spot on Guerra’s slate.
With both nominations now official, Sampson and Guerra will lead their respective UDP municipal teams into the 2027 general municipal elections, where they will compete against candidates from opposing parties to claim control of the two town governments.