(CARICOM Today)- Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley led his People National Movement (PNM) to victory in Trinidad and Tobago’s general elections on Monday. Preliminary results show the PNM won with a reduced majority, capturing 22 seats, down from the 23 they got in the last elections in 2015. The victorious candidates include first-timer Brian Manning, son of the late former Prime Minister Mr Patrick Manning.
The main opposition United National Congress (UNC) of Opposition Leader Ms Kamla Persad-Bissessar captured the Moruga/Tableland seat from the PNM to increase its tally to 19. Nineteen political parties and four independent candidates contested Monday’s poll.
In his victory speech on Monday night, Prime Minister Rowley signalled that the upcoming term will be a period of transition for him and the party, as this may be his last elections.
“This is my period to ensure that the young people I have been mentoring that they move into greater responsibility during that period. So Trinidad and Tobago this is a period of transition but I will not shirk my responsibility to the people of Trinidad and Tobago who have elected me for this five year period,” Prime Minister Rowley said.
In the meantime the UNC Leader has requested a recount of the marginal seats, and said her party will not concede until then. “We fought a good fight. However, tonight I am not giving a concessionary speech. I am not conceding. Our candidates in several marginals are filing for recounts and only then we can concede. Go brave, we fought a good fight and we will continue to go and fight,” Ms Persad-Bissessar told party supporters Monday night.
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Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has congratulated Dr. Rowley and the PNM on their election victory. Writing on his Facebook page this morning, Chastanet said: “We wish you, your team and the people of T&T great success throughout this new term and we look forward to working together to build a more united and prosperous region.”
