But, it's not like that "lack of presence" happened just yesterday - the UDP went into the municipal election knowing full well that it had huge holes to fill. But the party never thought twice about it because it was counting on huge blowout victories in Collett, Port Loyola, Mesopotamia and Queen's Square - and to at least break even in Pickstock. But, those never materialized in Port Loyola and Pickstock, where the UDP lost.

And that led to the biggest upset of the election where Belize City has gone blue again after a 12 year drought.  Sahar Vasquez was all around the city for our Up Fi Grabs coverage and she has this story:…

Upset, devastation, and shock. The UDPs unflappable confidence was shattered in the course of 16 hours. The team of eleven experienced members went into the election with very little doubt. In fact, they were almost sure they would pummel PUPs rebirth team.

Dion Leslie - UDP Mayoral Candidate/ Belize City
"We have done our groundwork over the past several months. The reception we have gotten from the residents of Belize City over the past few months is very positive we know the PUP will come hard. They have been losing consecutive elections for over ten years now. We expected them to come out hard. We have put in the work serving the residents of Belize City so we feel very confident right now."

Patrick Faber - Deputy Prime Minister
"We are confident that we are doing what we need to do on the ground to get out the numbers that support our party. Those numbers as I said would add up with the other numbers in the city to bring a victory for the UDP."

The Prime Minister admitted that there is always a chance for the opposing party to come back but he believed the UDP winning could speak for itself.

Sahar Vasquez
"The PUP is coming quite strong the numbers out here look pretty good and also in the other districts. Aren't you nervous that they may overtake you guys?"

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize
"There is always a chance. This is politics and any number can play. We have done our work. We believe firmly that our record speaks for itself and people will, in fact, wish to endorse that record and reimburse our town council."

The complete opposite happened. The odds that were so in their favour turned on them quicker than they could even process. The underdogs snuck up behind and snatched what had seemed to be an unlikely Victory

Kareem Musa - Caribbean Shores Area Rep/ PUP
"It is such an incredible feeling. The people of Caribbean Shores have shown their love to this party. This is the party that loves them back. This is a huge victory. No one expected it so it is just so amazing. I am so excited about it."

Anthony Mahler - Eastern Caucus Deputy Leader
"This is a resounding victory. This sends a clear signal that the PUP is united and that we are ready for the next general election."

Now the City Council that was once filled with old veterans has been replacing by young newcomers.

Allan Pollard Jr. - PUP City Councillor
"I did not expect this and I mean like we said we put in the work. From the beginning me. Wagner pushed us and told us whatever you put in you get out and we put in our work since late October, early November. We pulled through."

Dr. Candice Pitts - PUP City Councillor
"I feel extremely grateful at this point. As you had previously mentioned we were fighting against the odds but we worked. We were on the ground since the end of October until this very moment. I am extremely grateful the residents of Belize placed their faith in us."

After realizing a major loss was on the horizon the UDP congratulated their rivals and left before the PUPs wild celebration began. However, Shyne Barrow stayed until the end and it seems the loss did not sit well with Belize's Music Ambassador. He got into a heated back and forth with the PUP supporters who did not hesitate to goad the once famous rapper turned political aspirant.

At the end of the night, Shyne Barrow was really the least of the PUPs concern. A tsunami of blue stood next to their new leader Bernard Wagner and rejoiced in the comeback only they saw coming.