In a surprising turn of events, the opposition party in Trinidad and Tobago, the United National Congress (UNC), has claimed a definitive victory in the recent parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who previously served as prime minister from 2010 to 2015, will take the office once again after the UNC defeated the incumbent People's National Movement (PNM).
Persad-Bissessar's party promised to raise public sector wages and tackle rising living costs, and clearly resonated with voters as they gained several seats previously held by the PNM. PNM leader Keith Rowley, who served from 2015 until this March, acknowledged his party's loss late Monday.
The political landscape shifted quickly as Rowley stepped down, allowing energy minister Stuart Young to assume the role of prime minister. However, Young's decision to call a snap election just hours after his appointment raised eyebrows and was dubbed controversial.
Amid a rise in crime and economic downturn in the country, Persad-Bissessar's campaign emphasized the need for stability and support for public services. Following the victory, she promised to focus on the welfare of senior citizens and public servants, ensure the continuity of pension benefits, reopen crucial health facilities like children's hospitals, and create over 50,000 jobs.
With an engaging rallying cry of inclusivity, she declared: “When UNC wins, everybody wins,” as her supporters celebrated their electoral success late into the night.
