Belize PM Barrow claims victory after partial vote count

Source: Reuters

BELIZE CITY (Reuters) - Belizean Prime Minister Dean Barrow declared himself the winner of a snap general election in the tiny English-speaking Central American country on Wednesday, claiming a record third straight term, even though partial results showed a close race.

Barrow, a 64-year-old lawyer, called the vote in late September more than a year ahead of schedule amid signs his political opponents are regrouping and fears generous Venezuelan aid crucial to his budget may be at risk.

With results counted from seven of the country's 31 constituencies, Barrow's United Democratic Party (UDP) had won four while the main opposition People's United Party (PUP) had taken three, an election authority official said.

"It is a magnificent victory," Barrow said as he addressed party supporters in Belize City, who roared their approval. "The magnitude of this victory still hasn't properly set in."

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/r-belize-pm-barrow-claims-victory-after-partial-vote-count-2015-11