Tonight, Belizeans are preparing for what can only be called a PUDP holiday - a day set aside just for elections. And this evening, all across the country, political machines are in the final stage of last minute logistics and preparations.
And while there are 197,018 registered voters in the 29 constituencies where there will be an election - we won't know how many of them voted until the next 24 hours or so.
For the PUP, they are looking forward to an easy victory, but the party's faithful continue to work like it's going to be a close one. For the divided UDP - the party is in the worst shape in its 52 year history - but hope that somehow the stars magically align tomorrow and deliver them an election day miracle.
Truly, only the voters know how it will go - and today, when we took to the streets to get some sense of what at least the turnout will be like, we were somewhat surprised that the majority of people we tried to interview said that appearing on air would get them in trouble, or affect the money they are expecting to make tomorrow. The couple people we did speak to weren't exactly enthused:
Reporter
"So how do you feel about tomorrow's elections?"
Interviewee
"Um, I mean, I feel good about the elections, but at the same time, I don't have any holiday. I still have to be at work."
Reporter
"So the holiday doesn't go towards you?"
Interviewee
"Call centre life."
Reporter
"You would encourage others to vote?"
Interviewee
"I mean, yeah, because the government matters for your country at the same time, but, you have to make a decision wisely based on the different, um the things that PUP or UDP are doing out here, it's kind of crazy with all the ministers at each other's throat and things like that, but... I support voting, let your voice be heard."
Interviwee 2
"Well, that is the day they have to pick to see which is the good one from the bad one, right?"
"Too bad that I have to work for that day, right, because they don't give me off that day. My area, they are not using, so we have to go work. But then again, they should have reconsider that this is our election. Kids are coming out, some of them are walking about the place. When you look they get hurt out here. If all the rest of school could get off, why didn't they get that school off?"
To be clear, under labour laws, employers must grant employees reasonable time off to vote on General Election Day - and employers must not deduct wages or impose any penalties on employees for taking time off to vote. To do otherwise is a violation of the law which can result in fines or imprisonment.
And while that is the law, call center workers tell us that they will. be given time to work, but will only make their hourly wage - which is time. And a half tomorrow - for the hours they are clocked in to work.
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