In a significant political shift, Moses “Shyne” Barrow has lost his re-election bid for the Mesopotamia constituency in Belize. The former rapper, who transitioned into politics, was unseated by fellow United Democratic Party (UDP) member, businessman Lee Mark Chang. The election results, finalized on March 12, 2025, showed Chang securing 601 votes, while Shyne received 318 votes. The People’s United Party (PUP) candidate, Lawrence Ellis, garnered 503 votes. Voter turnout was notable, with 1,422 out of 2,253 registered voters casting their ballots.
Shyne’s Response to Election Outcome
Shortly after 9 p.m., Shyne addressed the media, conceding defeat. “The people have spoken; congratulations to Lee Mark Chang—he’s now the new area representative of Mesopotamia, and I wish him well,” Shyne remarked. Reflecting on the campaign, he added, “I was confident; that was the interaction I was having with the people, but they made a decision to go in another direction, and I respect that.”
Historic Significance of Chang’s Victory
Chang’s win is historic, marking the first time a Belizean-Chinese individual has secured a seat in the House of Representatives. Despite running under the UDP banner, Chang was part of Tracy Panton’s slate of 13 candidates. This alignment followed internal party disputes, with both Barrow and Panton claiming leadership of the UDP. During his campaign, Chang was vocal about his opposition to Shyne’s leadership, stating, “We need to remove the ‘cancer.’” He further accused Shyne of leaving voters disillusioned with unmet promises, claiming, “The people are realizing they have been bamboozled.”
Implications for UDP Leadership
Shyne’s defeat has broader implications for the UDP’s leadership dynamics. Addressing his future role, he stated, “I certainly will resign effective once we have a national convention to elect a new leader.” He acknowledged the untenable position of leading the party without holding a seat in the House, adding, “Obviously, you can’t be a leader of the United Democratic Party once you’re not a member of the House, and I would not want to be appointed as a senator or anything to hold on to the leadership.”
Shyne’s Political Journey
Shyne’s political career began in 2020 when he won the Mesopotamia seat. He later ascended to become the Leader of the Opposition and head of the UDP. His tenure was marked by internal party conflicts and challenges. His defeat not only signifies a personal setback but also highlights the evolving dynamics within Belize’s political landscape.
The recent election underscores the importance of unity and clear leadership within Belize’s political parties. As the UDP prepares for a national convention to elect a new leader, the party’s direction and cohesion will be under scrutiny. Chang’s victory also emphasizes the electorate’s desire for change and effective representation. How the UDP addresses these challenges will shape its future role in Belizean politics.