terms of office. The governor general appoints all five members in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, who consults with the leader of the opposition before nominating the members. National Assembly members and others who hold public office are barred from appointment.The constitution guarantees the right to vote to every citizen over the age of eighteen that meets the provisions of the Representation of the People Ordinance. Voting is not compulsory. Employers are required to give their employees time to vote and to pay them for the time they are away at the polls. Polls are open from 7 AM to 6 PM on Election Day, but anyone in line by 6 PM may vote, no matter how long it may take. The sale of liquor is barred while the polls are open. Certain forms of political campaigning, including television advertisements, political speeches, and the distribution of political buttons, posters, banners, or flags are also prohibited. Canvassing of voters may not be disturbed, voter-to-voter conversation is barred, and only election officials may answer questions. The constitution mandates that votes be cast in a secret ballot.EconomicBelize is a developing country. Its economy is based on agriculture. Sugar cane, which is raised on plantations, ranks as the countrys chief crop. Oranges, grapefruits, and bananas are next in importance. Processed sugar is the main export. The countrys forests yield lumber, including pine and such tropical hardwoods as cedrela and mahogany. The Caribbean Sea procvides conchs, fishes, lobsters, and shrimp. Most of Belizes industries are small. They include sugar refining, processing foods and wood, and the production of clothing, cement, and bricks.Belize receives much financial aid from other countries. Its government encourages foreign investment to create jobs. Melizeans are working to develop the tourist industry by building hotels and other facilities.Belize has an international air...
