United National Congress Wins Election in Trinidad and Tobago
Kamla Persad-Bissessar. X/ @GuardianTT
April 29, 2025 Hour: 7:30 am
Over one million people went to the polls in a parliamentary election that took place in complete order.
On Monday, the opposition party United National Congress (UNC) won the parliamentary elections held in Trinidad and Tobago, making its leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the virtual prime minister-elect.
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The UNC secured 25 of the 41 seats at stake—six more seats than in the previous elections. The ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) won in 14 electoral constituencies, representing a loss of eight seats. The Tobago People’s Party (TPP) obtained two seats on the island of Tobago.
After the results were announced, UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar appeared before her supporters at a public event and delivered a speech outlining her future plans for governance. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Stuart Young acknowledged the PNM’s defeat in the election, though he vowed to continue fighting for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
More than one million people went to the polls on Monday in Trinidad and Tobago, in a parliamentary election that took place in complete order. The PNM’s defeat in this election was linked to dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of problems related to rising crime and the economic crisis.
The controversial appointment of Stuart Young as prime minister without a popular vote following Keith Rowley’s resignation also played a role. Above all, however, this election reflects the electorate’s desire for change and new leadership.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar is an attorney who served as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015, making her the first woman to hold the office in the country’s history. She has also served as Attorney General, and Minister of Education. Her campaign focused on addressing pressing national issues such as crime, economic growth, and social inequality.
Regarding security policies, she promised the creation of the Ministries of Defense and Justice; the implementation of community policing strategies, including transforming police stations into crime control and community engagement centers; and the introduction of self-defense laws to empower citizens.
teleSUR/ JF
Sources: KevzPolitics – AP
