In what many are calling a historic turnaround, the opposition United National Congress (UNC) party has claimed victory in Trinidad and Tobago's parliamentary elections held on Monday, according to preliminary results. Led by former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who previously held the office from 2010 to 2015, the UNC's win represents a sharp pivot from the recent dominance of the People's National Movement (PNM).
Despite a tough campaign led by outgoing PNM leader Keith Rowley, who acknowledged his party's defeat late Monday, the UNC managed to capture several seats held by the PNM, further solidifying their electoral success. Rowley, who served as prime minister from 2015 until the start of this year, stepped down as leader in March and transferred leadership to Stuart Young, who quickly called a snap election. This decision was met with skepticism due to accusations of its unconstitutionality, with Young aiming to secure a stronger mandate amidst rising socioeconomic challenges, including a surge in crime and economic decline.
The atmosphere was one of celebration for UNC supporters late into the night following the election results. Persad-Bissessar made promises focused on pressing economic issues during her campaign, including significant salary increases for public sector workers grappling with escalating living costs, job creation, and reopening a children's hospital. Her rallying cry was clear: "This victory is for the senior citizens to keep their pensions... This victory is once again to give laptops to our children," she stated, encapsulating the mood of optimism and ambition within her party's ranks. "When UNC wins, everybody wins," she assured supporters, signaling a hopeful forward trajectory for Trinidad and Tobago under her leadership.
Despite a tough campaign led by outgoing PNM leader Keith Rowley, who acknowledged his party's defeat late Monday, the UNC managed to capture several seats held by the PNM, further solidifying their electoral success. Rowley, who served as prime minister from 2015 until the start of this year, stepped down as leader in March and transferred leadership to Stuart Young, who quickly called a snap election. This decision was met with skepticism due to accusations of its unconstitutionality, with Young aiming to secure a stronger mandate amidst rising socioeconomic challenges, including a surge in crime and economic decline.
The atmosphere was one of celebration for UNC supporters late into the night following the election results. Persad-Bissessar made promises focused on pressing economic issues during her campaign, including significant salary increases for public sector workers grappling with escalating living costs, job creation, and reopening a children's hospital. Her rallying cry was clear: "This victory is for the senior citizens to keep their pensions... This victory is once again to give laptops to our children," she stated, encapsulating the mood of optimism and ambition within her party's ranks. "When UNC wins, everybody wins," she assured supporters, signaling a hopeful forward trajectory for Trinidad and Tobago under her leadership.
