Months before Belmopan’s 2026 municipal elections are set to take place, the capital city’s political contest is already intensifying, with shifting alliances, mounting controversy and unexpected challengers upending what was once projected to be a straightforward race.
The People’s United Party (PUP), which currently holds both the mayoralty and the city’s area representative seat, is facing growing headwinds. Questions surrounding sitting Area Representative Oscar Mira have created an opening for opposition candidates, turning the Belmopan mayoral race into one of the most closely watched electoral contests in the entire country.
At the center of the opposition push is former Belmopan mayor Khalid Belisle, the United Democratic Party (UDP) caretaker for the city, who has formally launched a bid to reclaim the executive seat he previously held. With roughly eight months remaining until election day, Belisle says his campaign strategy will center on direct, grassroots engagement with city residents.
“You are really going to see not only our full city council team, but myself out on the streets going house to house visiting residents,” Belisle shared in an interview with News Five. “I prefer to listen rather than to speak. I would much rather hear what is on the minds and in the hearts of residents of the city as we prepare to contest an election. That way, if we are successful on election day, the incoming city council will be able to address those concerns in as timely a fashion as they possibly can.”
Isidoro Richie Galvez has also joined the race as another mayoral candidate, adding further unpredictability to a field already roiled by political uncertainty.
Fending off Belisle’s challenge is incumbent PUP Mayor Pablo Cawich, who confirmed that he and his full sitting city council team have filed their applications to run for re-election under the PUP banner. Cawich emphasized that his administration has prioritized improving public services for Belmopan residents, and is preparing to roll out new administrative systems designed to streamline access to city services for all constituents.
What makes this election cycle notable so far is both leading candidates’ public rejection of the negative, mudslinging political tactics that have long plagued local races in Belmopan.
“Politics is politics and it is a very nasty game. I don’t – I personally don’t like the negativity in politics,” Cawich said, echoing comments from Belisle, who similarly distanced himself from attacks-focused campaigning.
“I personally don’t lean into those negative aspects of our politics. Anybody that knows me will understand that’s not what I’m about,” Belisle said. “I have never been about trying to elevate myself by bringing down other candidates.”
Still, political observers note that pressure from party operatives and campaign teams often pushes candidates to deploy negative tactics as election day draws closer, especially in a capital city with a long history of scandal-driven local politics. With months of campaigning still ahead, all sides are already positioning for what is set to be a hard-fought contest for control of Belmopan City Hall.