Trinidad will hold general elections on April 28, 2024, announced by new Prime Minister Stuart Young. This decision comes after Rowley’s retirement and aims to catch opposition parties off guard. The PNM seeks its third consecutive victory, while the UNC is forming a coalition but will not contest in Tobago. More elections are upcoming in the CARICOM region.
On April 28, 2024, Trinidad will conduct its general elections, as announced by Prime Minister Stuart Young shortly after succeeding Keith Rowley. This decision appears strategically timed to surprise opposition parties. The Prime Minister’s office requested ceremonial President Christine Kangaloo to dissolve the 41-member parliament in preparation for the elections.
The announcement follows a rally held by the governing People’s National Movement (PNM), where Rowley made his final address as Prime Minister, introducing candidates for all constituencies. Political parties are required to submit candidates and related materials by April 4 on nomination day.
The main opposition, the United National Congress (UNC), is forming a multi-party coalition aimed at defeating the PNM. The UNC has decided not to contest the two seats in Tobago, given its historical challenges, and has screened about 200 candidates while negotiating with potential allies.
The PNM has secured victories in the last two elections and expresses confidence in achieving a third win. Though elections are typically scheduled for the last quarter of the year, the PNM appears eager to leverage the political landscape following Rowley’s retirement. This election occurs amidst several elections in the CARICOM area this year, with others pending in Suriname, Guyana, Jamaica, and Curacao after recent elections in Anguilla, The Turks and Caicos Islands, Belize, and Bermuda.
Trinidad’s upcoming elections on April 28, 2024, follow the unexpected announcement by new Prime Minister Stuart Young after Keith Rowley’s retirement. The PNM aims to maintain its electoral dominance, while the UNC prepares a coalition to challenge its authority, notably opting out of contests in Tobago. This election is part of a broader electoral cycle in the Caribbean region this year.
Original Source: www.caribbeanlife.com
