Jeremy Enriquez Sues Elections and Boundaries Commission Over Redistricting Records

Public-interest litigant Jeremy Enriquez has filed a High Court claim against the Elections and Boundaries Commission over access to information on Belize’s long-delayed redistricting exercise. The Attorney General has also been named as a defendant.  Enriquez is asking the court to declare that the Commission is a public authority governed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and must formally consider his request under that law. He says the case is intended to settle whether citizens have a legal right to obtain non-exempt information from the Commission, rather than relying on its voluntary cooperation. The dispute began after Enriquez submitted a Freedom of Information request on June 8. He sought details on the progress of redistricting, including what had been completed, what remained outstanding, the expected completion date, the methodology being used and any experts or consultants involved.  In its initial response, the Commission described the request as broad and extensive. It also argued that it was not included within the definition of a prescribed authority under the Freedom of Information Act. The Commission cited its constitutional independence and noted that some requested documents could relate to pending redistricting litigation.  Following pre-action correspondence, the Commission said it remained unwilling to concede that it is legally subject to the Act. It nevertheless agreed to review Enriquez’s request using the Act’s access procedures, safeguards and exemptions. In a September 8 letter, the Commission said it would prioritize information on the current status of redistricting, the work completed and outstanding, and the anticipated timeline. It proposed providing a substantive response within 14 days.  Enriquez maintains that voluntary disclosure does not resolve the central legal question. He argues that the Commission performs important public functions involving voter registration, elections, referenda and electoral boundaries, and should therefore be legally accountable under the Freedom of Information Act.  The redistricting issue has remained unresolved for years. The Commission completed a redivision exercise and submitted proposals to the National Assembly in July 2023, but those recommendations were not enacted. The Commission has since acknowledged that it has begun another redivision process.  Prime Minister John Briceño had initially indicated that redistricting would be completed by the end of 2025, before later committing to completion by the end of 2026. Enriquez says that with that deadline approaching, the public should be told what progress has been made and whether the new timeline remains achievable.  The High Court has not yet determined whether the Elections and Boundaries Commission falls within the Freedom of Information Act or whether it must disclose the requested records.