Belizean legislative election, 1979

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A legislative election was held in Belize on 21 November 1979. Belizeans elected 18 members to the House of Representatives for a term of five years.

The ruling People's United Party (PUP) won the largest share (13) of seats in the election.

[edit] Background

In 1979, Belizeans were growing restless over the progress of the colony to independence as a result of the Guatemalan claim. The Opposition United Democratic Party were not in favour of going forward without a substantial settlement of the claim, and this led the PUP to turn the election into a sort of referendum from the Belizean people on that question. By their turnout (90.8%, a record high) and their support for the PUP, Belizeans made clear their preferences and set in motion the chain of events that would lead to independence in 1981.

[edit] Election results

[discuss] – [edit]
Summary of the 21 November 1979 Belize House of Representatives **election results**
Parties	Votes	%	Seats
People's United Party	23,309	52.44	13
United Democratic Party	21,045	47.35	5
Toledo Progressive Party	96	0.22	-
Total valid votes	44,450		18
Invalid votes	521
Total votes cast (turnout: 89.8%)	44,971
Registered voters	50,091