By Sue-Ann Wayow
Political Leader of the United National Congress (UNC) Kamla Persad-Bissessar has violated the party’s constitution.
This is according to two UNC members, contesters in previous internal elections Vasant Bharath and Ramona Ramdial.
The two contended that the upcoming national executive elections were unconstitutional.
In statements issued on Sunday, Bharath who vied for the post of political leader in 2020 and Ramdial, who formed part of Bharath’s slate, said the party’s Constitution was being trampled upon.
Bharath said, “Our great party has become a cult and a plaything for Kamla Persad Bissessar, with big men and women fawning at her feet for positions of supposed power… Mrs Bissessar continues to erode and trample on the Constitution of the only party that has a chance of removing the PNM.”
He said the party’s constitution was clear on the term of office of both political leader and the natex, and the holding of its respective elections separately, the purpose of which was to ensure continuity after an election is held.
Bharath said, “The only way that can be altered is by holding a National Assembly for that purpose and securing two thirds of the votes of the delegates present. By subverting this democratic process, once again, Mrs Bissessar has demonstrated that she is completely shorn of the shackles of conscience and that she will do whatever is politically convenient to satisfy her lust and greed for power at the expense of the UNC’s long serving warriors, supporters and those seeking respite from a rampant PNM.”
Bharath again pledged his loyalty to the party.
Ramdial said Persad-Bissessar has violated the constitution of the party.
“She appeared to move for internal elections to be held on June 26 (due on December 6, 2022) but at no point did she request of the National Congress to amend the UNC constitution for the post of political leader to be contested alongside the internal posts. The election for the position of political leader isn’t due until December 6th 2023.”
The political leader’s position is one that will also be contested which according to Ramdial was illegal.
“For these two distinct elections to be held simultaneously, the UNC Constitution must first be amended. Such a motion must be clearly communicated to the National Congress, in advance. Thereafter two-thirds of the delegates must agree to the clearly communicated motion to amend.”
She further said Persad-Bissessar could not be trusted.
On Sunday, at the UNC’s joint Parliamentary Arm and National Congress, it was announced that the party’s National Executive elections will be held on June 26. In total, 18 positions will be contested including that of political leader.
Nominations will be available from Wednesday (May 25).
Editor’s note: The headline has been changed to reflect the story.
