Trinidad and Tobago: Incumbent PNM begins preparations for general elections

Trinidad and Tobago: The incumbent People’s National Movement party has already begun screening candidates for the general elections in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the information, nine constituencies in Trinidad have been given a deadline of Thursday, August 15 to submit nominees.

On the other hand, the opposition suspects the election dates will be announced before the end of 2024.

The ruling party released a statement instructing members that the deadline for submitting nominees in nine constituencies is Thursday 15th August.

In June, PNM Leader and Prime Minister Doctor Keith Rowley mandated party units from nine areas currently held by the opposition to start seeking nominees.

The constituencies undergoing early screening are Bartaria/San Juan, Caroni East, Chaguanas East, Cumuto/Manzanilla, Fyzabad, Mayaro, Moruga/Tableland, Pointe-A-Pierre and St Augustine.

Also, no date has yet been announced for the general elections, which are due in 2025. The PNM won the last election on August 10, 2020, securing a second consecutive term under Dr Rowley’s leadership.

Meanwhile, the opposition is anticipating early elections and this was voiced by opposition Senator Wade Mark as he spoke during a press conference on Sunday. He said that the elections will take place before the end of 2024.

“We understand right now they are looking to call a snap election at sometime at the end of November,” outlined the opposition Senator.

Mark claimed that it was the word around town and noted that the UNC is not bothered. “But whether they call it at the end of November, the end of December, in January, it doesn’t matter when the time comes, riot with its index finger,” he slammed the ruling administration.

The UNC is hoping to get back into office, currently under the leadership of Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Moreover, in Tobago, the Tobago People’s Party has already expressed interest in contesting the Tobago East and West seats in the upcoming general elections, but it has not yet commented on its preparations.

The Progressive Democratic Patriots political leader, Watson Duke, said his party is preparing to contest the elections whenever they are announced. The party is expected to officially launch its campaign on August 25th.

The innovative Democratic Alliance, currently under the leadership of Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus, are unsure whether they will contest the general elections. He pointed out that with many parties in the mix, they will watch and wait and decide at the appropriate time.