BELMOPAN, Belize , CMC – Johnny Briceno was elected leader of the main opposition People’s United Party (PUP) Sunday, one week after dropping out of the leadership race to replace former prime minister Said Musa.

 

Briceno received 320 votes, while his opponent, Francis Fonseca got 310 votes in the elections in which 653 delegates were eligible to cast ballots.

 

Briceno, who becomes the third PUP leader following Musa and ex-prime minister George Price, had along with another disgruntled PUP member, Mark Espat, dropped out of the race last week after the party’s national executive voted against a motion to expand the delegates list.

 

Briceno will be sworn in as Opposition Leader at the next sitting of the Parliament.

 

Speaking to reporters ahead of the convention at which he was elected leader, Briceno said that there was need for a change in the leadership of the party, especially after its defeat in last month’s general election.

 

“At the end of the day people want change. People want that leader that is prepared to unite this party that can come with a clear vision as to how it is that we are going to move this party forward, how we can get this party ready to win elections.

 

“I believe that under my leadership we will be able to do that,” he added.

 

CMC/pj/fw/pr/08