AS political parties continue their preparations for next year's general election, there are no signs of any of them holding a clear advantage over the others, according to UWI political scientist Dr Bishnu Ragoonath.
In a telephone interview on November 30, Ragoonath said, "As far as I am concerned, we are moving ahead in preparation for an election. It could come as early as February. I am assuming."
While the PNM has selected the majority of its candidates, Ragoonath said, "I would not say that they are better prepared. The fact of the matter is that they have screened candidates and they have put their candidates outside there already for the seats that they do not currently hold."
He said having now commenced its screening, the UNC has a chance to present a fresh set of faces to the electorate.
Ragoonath had no idea whether UNC MPs Rushton Paray, Dinesh Rambally, Dr Rai Ragbir and Anita Haynes-Alleyne would be selected as candidates after publicly questioning party leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ability to lead the UNC to victory in the election.
He also did not see any of the parties opposed to the PNM forming election alliances at this time.
In a WhatsApp comment on November 30, Stuart Young, who is PNM chairman, was pleased with the party's election preparations to date.
"The PNM is proceeding well with its preparations whilst governing TT in a fair and equitable manner. Our screening continues in its usual disciplined way. We maintain a very strong cadre of talented individuals to be offered to the electorate."
At the UNC's screening in Chaguanas on November 29, Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein and Chaguanas East MP Vandana Mohit were confident about the party's preparations for the election. There were three nominees for the San Fernando West constituency – Jayanti Lutchmedial-Ramdial, Dr Michael Dowlath and John Michael Alibocus.
With respect to all of the political parties who will be contesting the election, which is constitutionally due by next August (but can be held as late as November, according to the law), the PNM is the most advanced with respect to its preparations.
To date, the party has selected 15 prospective candidates.
They are Dr Muhammad Yunus Ibrahim (Barataria/San Juan), Richie Sookhai (Chaguanas East), Renuka Sagramsingh-Sooklal (St Augustine), Leena Rampersad (Caroni East), Mukesh Ramsingh (Pointe-a-Pierre), Kheron Khan (Fyzabad), Anil Ramjit (Tabaquite), Roshan Ramcharan (Couva South), Brent Maraj (Couva North), Winston Mahabir (Chaguanas West), Adam Hosein (Caroni Central), Beatrice Bridglal (Mayaro), Natasha Mohammed (Siparia), Rocklyn Mohammed (Princes Town) and Lisa Atwater (Moruga/Tableland).
The PNM now turns its attention on December 2 to screening nominees for the following constituencies: Toco/Sangre Grande, Arima, Lopinot/Bon Air West, Tunapuna, La Horquetta/Talparo, Arouca/Maloney, D'Abadie/O'Meara, St Joseph, St Ann’s East, Laventille East/Morvant, Laventille West, San Fernando West, San Fernando East, La Brea and Point Fortin.
Once candid
