THE ceremony to swear in the next Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago will take place at the President’s House under strict adherence to pandemic protocols.
However, this will be done only after the President has received the final results of the general election from the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).
This according to a release from the Office of the President on Saturday.
The country is still awaiting the final results in one of five constituencies after recounts were requested.
Upon receipt of the final results the President will act according to law.
According to the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, the President shall appoint as Prime Minister a member of the House of Representatives who is the Leader in that House of the party which commands the support of the majority of members of that House and who is willing to accept the Office of Prime Minister.
“The President shall, if the person concerned is willing to be appointed, appoint as Leader of the Opposition the member of the House of Representatives who, in his judgment, is best able to command the support of the greatest number of members of the House of Representatives who do not support the Government,” the release stated.
A letter will then be address to the leader of the party who has the support of the majority of the members of the House enquiring whether he or she is willing to accept such office. Upon a positive response, then the President shall cause the sitting Prime Minister to vacate office in accordance with section 77 (2) (a).
Soon after, the Prime Minister is then appointed by the President who shall advise the President of any other Ministers to be appointed on the same date. It is customary that the Attorney General is appointed on the same day as the Prime Minister so that the Cabinet, which has the general direction and control of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, shall be constituted.
The Office of the President will prepare the necessary Instruments of Appointment and Oaths of Office and issue invitations to the swearing-in ceremony to all members of the House of Representatives and specially invited guests.
The swearing-in ceremony which give effect to the appointments, will then take place.
The Prime Minister may, on a subsequent occasion, advise the President of other Ministers to be appointed.
