As the 2026 Belmopan municipal elections approach, incumbent Mayor Pablo Cawich is confident that his administration’s track record and forward-looking policy platform are enough to secure him another term in office. However, a high-profile political scandal linked to his close political ally threatens to derail his bid for re-election, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his campaign.
Cawich, who first won the mayoral seat in the 2024 election, is running on a platform centered on critical infrastructure upgrades across Belmopan and targeted policies to strengthen the city’s local business ecosystem. In a recent interview, the mayor maintained that public support for his administration remains as solid as it was when he took office two years prior. But political observers and voters alike are increasingly questioning how the so-called “Mira Millions” scandal, tied to Oscar Mira, the Area Representative for Belmopan and Cawich’s close political ally, will impact Cawich’s approval ratings ahead of the vote.
Mira appeared prominently at Cawich’s recent campaign endorsement event, a choice that has renewed public scrutiny of the pair’s long-standing political alignment. When asked directly if he was concerned about the scandal’s impact on his re-election bid, Cawich acknowledged the controversy surrounding his party colleague, but framed continued collaboration with Mira as a necessary part of governing.
“It is a reality that he is the area representative of Belmopan. It is also a reality that he is my PUP brother. It is unfortunate what has transpired and what he is going through. But that is something for a higher level. I need to ensure that I do what is needed for the progress and development of the city,” Cawich stated in the interview. “As mentioned, he is the area representative and I need to collaborate with him, as I do with other ministers and other organizations that are nonpolitical. I have to be willing and able to work with every single person.”
When pressed further on whether he viewed Mira as a political liability for his campaign, Cawich deflected the question, saying he would not allow the controversy to distract him from his governing priorities. “I can’t focus on that. I have to stay focused and continue moving Belmopan forward,” he said.
Asked if he had considered sidelining Mira from campaign activities until after the municipal election concludes, Cawich noted that the decision was not his to make, and emphasized that his campaign remains focused on demonstrating to Belmopan voters that his team is committed to core governance principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusive progress for all residents.
This report is a transcribed excerpt from an evening television news broadcast, with Kriol-language statements rendered using a standardized spelling system for accuracy.