Our Traditional Governance System
The Alcalde System and the decision-making process of the Maya People.
History of Alcalde System
The alcalde system is an ancient form of traditional and legal village governance in Belize, practiced among indigenous Maya communities in the southern Toledo District. Functioning primarily as a blend of local magistrate and community leader, the alcalde manages communal lands, mediates disputes, and maintains cultural customs. The word “Alcalde” is a Spanish word in Maya Language – it refers to Polil Ka in Mopan and Jolimil Kale’baal in Qe’qchi.
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Each Maya village elects its own alcalde, who serves as the principal community leader, judge, and representative. Alcaldes uphold customary law alongside national law and convene the community for collective decision-making.
At the regional level, the Toledo Alcaldes Association coordinates joint action across villages, while elders provide ceremonial, spiritual, and historical guidance that grounds every major decision in our cultural traditions.
The Structure of Governance
Pedro Teul
Alcalde of Santa Teresa
Jose Chun
Alcalde of San Marcos
Rufino Sho
Alcalde of Pueblo Viejo
Luis Teck
Alcalde of San Jose
Ermelindo Acal
Alcalde of Bladen
Adandino Ack
Alcalde of Otoxha
Roman Sho
Alcalde of Blue Creek Village
80 Alcaldes
Jolimil Kale’baal · Polil Ka
41 Maya Communities
The Assembly of Alcaldes
The Toledo Alcaldes Association represents alcaldes from Maya villages across the Toledo and Stann Creek districts of Southern Belize. Select a village to zoom in on the map.
39 Maya villages represented across Toledo & Stann Creek districts.