PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC—The leader of the main opposition United National Congress (UNC), Kamla Persad Bissessar, said Wednesday that she had written to Prime Minister Stuart Young requesting foreign observers for the April 28 general election.
Young, who was sworn into office on Monday, announced the date for the general election on Tuesday, four months ahead of the fifth anniversary of the 2020 poll that returned the Peoples National Movement (PNM) under then-prime minister Dr. Keith Rowley for a second consecutive five-year term.
Persad Bissessar said that she had earlier written to Rowley on the issue of poll observers and that her renewed call for independent international election observers follows ”Rowley’s dismissive response to the initial request.”
In her letter to Prime Minister Young, the UNC leader expressed concern “over the erosion of democratic institutions, the transparency of the electoral process, and the impartiality of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).”
The letter lists a number of issues the UNC said highlight the need for the observers, including the Election and Boundaries Commission’s (EBC) redrawing of boundaries for 2021 Tobago House of Assembly elections” and acquiescing to the government’s legislative manipulation to force new elections.”
Persad Bissessar said that despite the government’s invitation to CARICOM observers, the “Opposition strongly believes that independent, non-Caribbean international observers are necessary to ensure a free and fair electoral process.”
She calls on Prime Minister Young to “act immediately and invite independent international observers to safeguard the credibility of the 2025 General Elections.
“The Opposition remains committed to defending the democratic rights of all citizens and will continue to advocate for free, fair, and transparent elections,” she added.
Meanwhile, Persad Bissessar has described recent resignations from the party as “orchestrated,” insisting they would not destabilize the party’s campaign.
The latest resignation is that of Dr Rai Ragbir, the outgoing Member of Parliament for Cumuto/Manzanilla, who expressed deep disappointment with the party’s current direction.
Ragbir said that the UNC “no longer upholds the values it once represented” and has become influenced by individuals whose conduct he finds “deeply troubling.”
Ragbir had earlier indicated he would not seek re-election in the general election. He said he sees “no reason to remain affiliated with a party that has lost its moral compass” while reaffirming his commitment to serving the people of Trinidad and Tobago in other capacities.
Dr Ragbir’s departure adds to several recent resignations within the UNC. Notably, former temporary senator Jowelle De Souza resigned two weeks ago, citing concerns over the party’s leadership and a perceived lack of commitment to meaningful advocacy. Additionally, four members of the UNC’s La Brea constituency executive resigned last week, expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s internal dynamics.
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