Leader of the Opposition (Belize) facts for kids
The Leader of the Opposition of Belize is a very important politician in Belize. This person leads the main group of elected officials who are not part of the Government. They are like the captain of the "other team" in the country's parliament, the Belize’s House of Representative. Their job is to speak for the members of the opposition and make sure the government is doing a good job. They also offer different ideas and solutions for the country.
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What is the Leader of the Opposition?
The Leader of the Opposition is the politician who leads the Official Opposition. This "Official Opposition" is usually the political party with the second-highest number of seats in the Belize’s House of Representative. The Leader of the Opposition plays a key role in a country's democracy.
Their Important Role
The main job of the Leader of the Opposition is to keep an eye on the government. They question the government's decisions and suggest different ways to solve problems. They make sure that the government is working for all the people of Belize. This role is important because it helps create a balanced and fair system of government.
How They Are Chosen
The Leader of the Opposition is an elected official. This means they were chosen by the people of Belize to represent them. According to the Constitution of Belize, this person must have the support of the elected officials who are not supporting the current government. They are the voice for those who are not in power.
Leaders of the Opposition in Belize Since Independence
Belize became an independent country in 1981. Since then, several important politicians have served as the Leader of the Opposition. Here is a list of these leaders and the political parties they belonged to:
- Theodore Aranda, (21 September 1981 - December 1982), United Democratic Party
- Curl Thompson, (January 1983 - 14 December 1984), United Democratic Party
- Florencio Marin, (17 December 1984 - 7 September 1989), People’s United Party
- Manuel Esquivel, (7 September 1989 - 3 July 1993), United Democratic Party
- George Cadle Price, (3 July 1993 - 10 November 1996), People’s United Party
- Said Musa (1st time), (10 November 1996 - 30 August 1998), People’s United Party
- Dean Barrow, (30 August 1998 - 8 February 2008), United Democratic Party
- Said Musa (2nd time), (8 February 2008 - 30 March 2008), People’s United Party
- Johnny Briceño (1st time), (30 March 2008 - 18 October 2011), People’s United Party
- Francis Fonseca, (3 November 2011 - 31 January 2016), People’s United Party
- Johnny Briceño (2nd time), (31 January 2016 - 12 November 2020), People’s United Party
- Patrick Faber (1st tim), (since 12 November 2020), United Democratic Party
