Trinidad will hold general elections on April 28, appointed by Prime Minister Stuart Young. This comes after Rowley’s retirement and aims to catch opposition parties off guard. The PNM has introduced candidates while the UNC is forming a coalition, opting not to contest in Tobago. These elections are part of a series occurring in the CARICOM region this year.
Trinidad will hold general elections on April 28, as recently announced by Prime Minister Stuart Young, following his ascension to leadership after replacing Keith Rowley. This announcement seeks to catch opposing political factions by surprise. The Office of the Prime Minister has formally requested President Christine Kangaloo to dissolve the 41-member parliament in preparation for the upcoming vote between Trinidad and Tobago.
The governing People’s National Movement (PNM) presented candidates for all 41 constituencies during a recent rally, coinciding with Rowley’s last public address before his retirement. Political parties are required to submit their candidates, logos, and promotional materials by April 4, designated as nomination day.
The main opposition, the United National Congress (UNC), has indicated its readiness to challenge the PNM through a multi-party coalition currently under formation. Although the UNC has screened approximately 200 candidates, it has chosen not to contest in Tobago, where its historical performance has been less favorable. Moreover, the party is still finalizing its candidates amid discussions with potential allies.
The PNM is optimistic about securing a third consecutive victory, given its recent successes in the past two elections and the strategic timing following Rowley’s retirement. Elections, initially expected in the last quarter of the year, have been moved forward, suggesting the PNM aims to capitalize on its perceived political momentum under Young’s new leadership.
Trinidad’s upcoming elections represent one among several electoral contests in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as other nations such as Suriname, Guyana, Jamaica, and Curacao are scheduled to vote later in the year, joining Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Belize, and Bermuda, who have already concluded their own elections.
The general elections in Trinidad are scheduled for April 28, reflecting a strategic move by the newly appointed Prime Minister Stuart Young to potentially overshadow opposition parties. The PNM, confident from previous electoral victories, is prepared to leverage the political transition following Keith Rowley’s retirement. Meanwhile, the UNC seeks to mount a challenge through coalition-building. These elections are significant within the broader Caribbean context, where multiple countries are also preparing for upcoming votes.
Original Source: www.caribbeanlife.com
