[1] The result was a victory for the People's United Party, which won 26 of the 29 seats and Said Musa was elected as prime minister for the first time.

[1] The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) was widely perceived as incompetent, incapable of governing and riddled with corruption.

The PUP capitalized on the people's anger to present a manifesto of far-reaching proposals which they claimed would "Set Belize Free".

Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel advised Governor General Sir Colville Young to dissolve the House of Representatives on 13 July 1998.

The radio station LOVE FM held the first prime ministerial debate in Belize on 23 July 1998; it was attended by PM Esquivel and PUP leader Musa.