By Alicia Chamely

PEOPLE’s National Movement candidate San Fernando West Faris Al-Rawi is condemning destructive and obstructive action taken by opposing forces against campaign material and his constituents.

 Speaking with AZP News on Friday via telephone, Al-Rawi said, “I can confirm the United National Congress has been on a rampage of vandalism within the constituency.”

Regarding the destruction of billboards, he said the UNC’s involvement was “easily evidenced” as his billboard, standing side by side with UNC candidate Dr Michael Dowlath, was destroyed, but Dowlath’s was left untouched.

Al-Rawi claimed he had also received credible reports of rampant voter intimidation within the San Fernando West constituency.

He said a tactic that was being used by the UNC was offering PNM supporters $1,200 to hand over their ID cards and have them “parked up” until the day after elections, ensuring they could not vote.

Al-Rawi said the most disturbing report was that of persons accompanying the opposition during walkabouts “allegding” to be police officers. These individuals, he reported, would threaten constituents with violence and other acts of thuggery, he said.

He said, “This is nothing short of significant irresponsibility, dangerous and bordering criminal conduct.”

Al-Rawi made it known lawyers were looking into these cases and will pursue justice.

He assured the public that he “will always run a clean campaign” and these attacks were “a sense of desperation in his (Dowlath’s) camp.”

Responding to Al-Rawi’s accusations in a phone interview, Dowlath said neither the UNC nor he was involved in any act of vandalism or voter intimidation.

He said his signs were being destroyed as well, most recently in Vistabella. Regarding voter intimidation he vehemently denied Al-Rawi’s claims.