Opposition Party UNC Wins Key Election in Trinidad and Tobago

The United National Congress achieves victory, promising wage increases and job creation as the country faces economic challenges.

 

In a significant turn of events for Trinidad and Tobago, the opposition United National Congress (UNC) party, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has emerged victorious in the recent parliamentary elections held on Monday. The preliminary results indicate a strong win for the centrist party, paving the way for Persad-Bissessar, who previously served as prime minister from 2010 to 2015, to reclaim her position.

This victory comes after consecutive defeats to the ruling People's National Movement (PNM) in the last two elections. With a fresh mandate, the UNC capitalized on its campaign promises focused on increasing wages and generating employment opportunities, ultimately securing several parliamentary seats that were once held by the PNM.

Following the announcement of the results, PNM leader Keith Rowley acknowledged the party's defeat, stating that it was "not a good night" for them. Rowley, who previously served as prime minister until March of this year, stepped back from his role, allowing energy minister Stuart Young to take over. However, Young's decision to call a snap election shortly after his appointment was met with criticism regarding its constitutionality.

This election unfolded against a backdrop of rising homicides and an ongoing economic downturn in the nation, prompting the incumbent government to declare a state of emergency in December that lasted for 105 days.

Persad-Bissessar addressed her supporters, emphasizing that the victory was for senior citizens needing pension security, public servants deserving salary hikes, and the re-opening of critical healthcare facilities. "This victory is once again to give laptops to our children and to create over 50,000 jobs," she proclaimed, vowing inclusivity in her governance. "When UNC wins, everybody wins," she underscored, galvanizing her enthusiastic supporters at the party's headquarters.