T&T | UNC Deals Crushing Blow to PNM in Trinidad and Tobago

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, April 29, 2025 - The political landscape of Trinidad and Tobago underwent a seismic shift last night as the United National Congress (UNC) surged to a decisive victory, ending the People's National Movement's (PNM) decade-long grip on power. As ballot counters worked through the night, what emerged was nothing short of a political tsunami that swept away the ruling party's hopes of maintaining control.

"Tonight is not a good night for the PNM, but it might be a good night for the people of Trinidad and Tobago," conceded a visibly shaken Dr. Keith Rowley, who stood flanked by his political lieutenants at PNM headquarters. The admission came just minutes after UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar declared victory from her Siparia constituency office, marking her return to power after a ten-year hiatus.

The election results spelled disaster for Stuart Young, who now enters the history books with the dubious distinction of serving as prime minister for a mere six weeks – the shortest tenure in the nation's history. Young, who had taken over in March when Rowley stepped aside to "make way for new blood," now finds himself leading his party into the political wilderness instead.

For the 73-year-old Persad-Bissessar, the victory represents a remarkable political resurrection. "When UNC wins, we all win," she told jubilant supporters, while cautioning them against arrogance or pretentiousness in their moment of triumph. "We have a lot of work ahead of us," she added, acknowledging the challenges facing the English-speaking Caribbean archipelago.

The UNC campaign resonated with voters by focusing on pocketbook issues in a country grappling with inflation. Persad-Bissessar positioned herself as the champion of ordinary citizens, particularly "the mother walking the aisles of the grocery store with her children, always with a pen, a pencil, or a calculator in hand because food prices keep rising."

While the PNM criticized her promises of public sector wage increases as fiscally irresponsible, voters seemed more persuaded by her economic vision than by Young's warnings that there was "no way that any government could afford" the estimated $2 billion such raises would require.

According to preliminary results, the UNC not only held its 19 seats but flipped several constituencies previously considered PNM strongholds. The Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) also claimed both Tobago seats, further diminishing the PNM's parliamentary presence. Overall, the PNM is expected to retain only 10 to 12 seats in the 41-member House of Representatives.

Despite the crushing defeat, Rowley struck a defiant note, reminding supporters of his party's resilience throughout its 70-year history. "We have come back from one seat, so ten to 12 seats, don't count us out," he declared, announcing that the PNM general council would meet Wednesday to begin selecting an Opposition leader.

The election unfolded against a backdrop of severe security and economic challenges. Trinidad and Tobago recorded 623 murders last year – up from 577 in 2023 – many linked to Latin American criminal organizations including Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, recently designated a terrorist group by the United States. With a murder rate of 37 per 100,000 residents, the nation now ranks as the sixth most dangerous in the world, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The country's proximity to Venezuela – just 16 kilometers from its southern border – has made it vulnerable to illegal migration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. The outgoing government had imposed a state of emergency between December and mid-April in an attempt to restore order.

Economic challenges have compounded these security concerns. As the Caribbean's second-largest natural gas producer, Trinidad and Tobago has suffered from declining production, and its hopes of exploiting Venezuela's Dragon gas field were dashed when the Trump administration withdrew the necessary licenses under renewed sanctions.

Now, Persad-Bissessar faces the daunting task of addressing these intertwined crises while fulfilling her campaign promises. For the approximately 1.1 million eligible voters who participated in Monday's election, the change in leadership represents both a repudiation of the status quo and an uncertain new beginning for this nation better known to outsiders for its carnival, natural beauty, and sandy beaches than for its political turbulence.

The PNM's defeat – the fourth in its history after similar losses in 1986, 1995, and 2010 – serves as a stark reminder that in a democracy, even long-entrenched political powers remain vulnerable to the pendulum of public opinion. As Rowley noted with resignation, "Sometimes you win and sometimes you don't win."

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