Commentary: UNC has Strong Chance of Winning

I would like to respond to Mr Harry Partap letter to the editor in the Express on January 3, 2025, with the tittle UNC Jokers Vs PNM stability.

Apparently, Mr Partap forgot he was once a UNC member and worked under their leadership, where he had only praised the party back then but subsequently became a PNM advocate. Any right-thinking person would know that the United National Congress (UNC) has a strong chance of winning the 2025 general elections in Trinidad and Tobago, based on several following factors:
  1.    The results from recent electoral gains in the 2023 Local Government Elections are there for anyone to examine. Where the UNC tied 7-7 with the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) and captured the majority of the popular vote with 173,961 ballots compared to the PNM’s 130,868. This shift in voters voting for the UNC highlights growing dissatisfaction with the PNM and a renewed confidence in the UNC, positioning it as a serious contender.

  2.    We are seeing the Leadership Strategic Candidate Selections that will make a significant impact in the upcoming elections. The UNC is proactively preparing for the elections by screening candidates and strategically fielding nominees in 39 constituencies. This demonstrates a calculated approach to maximising electoral reach with excellent candidates and addressing voter concerns across the nation.
  3.    We have seen weakening support for the PNM over the last three years. Political analysts have commented that the PNM under Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley may face many challenges in retaining power. The public sentiment suggests displeasure with the current administration and the potential choice of continuing leadership while analysts have recommended leadership changes for the PNM now in order to remain a viable party. This shows the cracks in their armour and vulnerabilities within their party that the UNC will definitely capitalise on.

  4.    You can not deny the Leadership Experience and Coalition Potential that Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the UNC leader has demonstrated. She has a proven track record as a former prime minister and is working to strengthen the party’s appeal through coalition-building and strategic alliances. No one knows what and who she will eventually hammer out a coalition with, that will bring about a change in the East-West corridor. Her leadership offers stability and the capacity to lead with a strong moral compass, which could resonate with voters seeking change that are also hesitant about uncertainty.

  5.    No one can deny that citizens are discontent with Governance Issues such as crime, corruption, wages, educational opportunities, and medical conditions at the various hospitals. Economic challenges, governance controversies, and service delivery concerns under the PNM have left many citizens disillusioned. The UNC’s ability to address these issues with a clear and concise platform would make a difference as the preferred alternative.

If you can’t see the writing on the wall, put on your glasses, as the support is there, an effective campaign strategy is there, and the clear weaknesses within the ruling PNM is showing as clear as day. The UNC is well-poised to mount a credible challenge and secure a resounding victory in the 2025 general elections.

Neil Gosine is an insurance executive, sometimes a temporary Opposition Senator, an ex-treasurer of the UNC and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NP). He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, BSC in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited