Home Highlights 2025 Post-Election Seminar to Strengthen Parliamentary Practice in Belize

Post-Election Seminar to Strengthen Parliamentary Practice in Belize

June 6, 2025 | Activity

As Belize embarks on a new legislative term following its March 2025 general elections, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and ParlAmericas, in collaboration with the National Assembly of Belize, delivered a comprehensive Post-Election Seminar from June 4 to 6, 2025, in Belmopan. The seminar created a dedicated space for new and returning Members of Parliament and Senators to reflect on their responsibilities, strengthen institutional knowledge, and connect with peers from across the region.

Over the three days, parliamentarians worked alongside seasoned experts, regional stakeholders, and international facilitators to exchange ideas, explore comparative experiences, and sharpen their skills. The sessions were designed to strengthen their capacity to fulfil constitutional and statutory duties, while enhancing their understanding of the role of parliament in democratic governance. The agenda addressed a broad range of themes—from legislative scrutiny and ethical conduct to inclusive public engagement, oversight mechanisms, and the use of digital tools—offering a practical and forward-looking foundation for parliamentary work in the new term.

Participants also benefitted from interregional collaboration with colleagues from across the Commonwealth and the Americas. These exchanges fostered valuable dialogue on shared challenges and good practices, helping to build connections and support continued professional development among parliamentarians.

ParlAmericas was represented by Mrs. Bridgid Annisette-George, former Vice-President of ParlAmericas and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago; Ms. Chantal La Roche, Clerk of the Senate of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago; and Ms. Eilish Elliott, Deputy Director of Program Management and Monitoring & Evaluation at the ParlAmericas International Secretariat.

The seminar opened with welcoming remarks by The Honourable Carolyn Trench Sandiford, President of the Senate of Belize and Member of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas, who highlighted the importance of peer exchange and collaborative learning in reinforcing parliamentary practice and strengthening democratic institutions.

At a time when parliaments across the region are being called upon to respond to increasingly complex and interrelated challenges—from social inequality and climate vulnerability to democratic backsliding and shifting geopolitical dynamics—forums like this provide a vital space to reflect on shared responsibilities and renew our commitment to the principles and practices that underpin representative democracy.

This activity was made possible with the support of the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada.