Momentum towards opposition in T&T

May 24, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,

The opposition looks like it could win Monday’s (today) general elections in Trinidad going by the last minute momentum on its side.

The coalition leads the ruling PNM in 19 seats with two more leading its way that will take it to magic number 21 necessary for government formation. The coalition also leads in popular votes 55% to 45%.

If the coalition wins, Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar will become the country’s first female Prime Minister.

Just three months ago, she was chosen as the Opposition Leader and a month earlier the leader of the opposition UNC when she toppled the charismatic Basdeo Panday.

There is a wide-spread perception and a general feeling that Kamla will win the elections with almost 50% backing her for the post.

More and more voters all over the ‘twin island’ are talking about, “time for political change”, similar to the change atmosphere in the US in 2008.

Even many supporters of the ruling PNM like the idea of a female PM and have indicated they are willing to support Kamla.

There is a very strong anti-Manning sentiment in the country with voters saying they are fed up of him and that he has to go, even making a calypso tune with that title. Voters want to punish Manning for what they perceive as squandering the resources of the nation. Even many supporters of the ruling PNM want to see the back of Manning.

Thus, not surprisingly, Kamla is attracting some PNM supporters who say they are willing to give her a chance to change the politics of T&T. The party had a mammoth rally on Saturday (22-05-10) attracting tens of thousands.

In terms of political support, the UNC-led Peoples Partnership leads the PNM by a whopping 10%, attracting 53% to the PNM’s 43% that could end up 45% to 55%.

The battle for the 41 seats in parliament remains tight but the opposition coalition has the edge.

The coalition goes into the elections with 15 seats and the poll shows the coalition successfully defending all 15 seats and now leads in 19 seats to the PNM’s 18, with four seats too tight and another two leaning each way.

That could be 21-20. But it could swing either way, especially since the PNM’s superior political machinery. The PNM appears very confident of winning 22 seats because it seems it knows the numbers of its supporters in the marginals better than the coalition. Indeed the PNM has registered more voters and may very well have the edge.

Vishnu Bisram

Latest News

Momentum towards opposition in T&T

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 7th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

SBM Offshore Guyana & VFMA launch Girls in Football Development...

Imlach and Nandu fifties pilot Harpy Eagles to...

A look at Government’s boldest investment in...

Barker wins big, Khalil and Simpson inch closer...

Trophy Stall on board Republic Cup three-day...

13-year old benefits from Project “Cricket Gear...

Features/Columnists

You cannot borrow your way to prosperity

OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus

Jagdeo on land, Hughes

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Momentum towards opposition in T&T

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 7th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]