Today marks election day in Trinidad and Tobago.
As reported by stabroeknews.com, the contest between major political forces unfolds from dawn until dusk (6 am to 6 pm), with a keen focus on critical marginal constituencies and heightened security measures.
Citizens will cast their votes to select Parliamentary representatives and a government to lead Trinidad and Tobago for the forthcoming five years.
Among those reportedly casting their votes this morning are Prime Minister Stuart Young, who is expected to vote at the International School, Westmoorings at 9 am, and UNC Political Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who plans to cast her vote at the Hermitage Presbyterian School.
According to the article, both political leaders are striving to achieve historical milestones: Young aims to become Trinidad and Tobago’s ninth Prime Minister after having taken office as the eighth on March 17, while Persad-Bissessar seeks to become the nation’s second female Prime Minister, a title she first attained in 2010.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) affirmed that all preparations were ready for the General Election scheduled for today, with political analysts and experts suggesting that the predictive outcome remains “too close to call” after witnessing significant crowds at the campaign rallies held last Saturday by the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) and the primary opposition party, the United National Congress (UNC).
The Commission indicated that it had partnered with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to establish strong security protocols aimed at protecting voters, electoral staff, and ensuring the electoral process’s integrity.
“Our team has worked diligently to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote safely and confidently as they participate in this vital democratic exercise,” shared Chief Election Officer Fern Narcis yesterday.
Moreover, the EBC communicated that extensive planning, thorough training, and collaboration with various stakeholders have been essential in successfully executing “what is perhaps the single most logistically complex exercise a country can undertake.”
The Commission has confirmed that all 2,316 polling stations across Trinidad and Tobago have been set up and are adequately staffed and equipped with necessary supplies.
“The inspections have been conducted to ensure that each location meets high standards of accessibility, functionality, and safety,” added the EBC.
More than 13,000 election officials and polling staff underwent training designed to prepare them to support voters and manage the voting process efficiently. This training covered essential procedures, conflict resolution tactics, and health and safety protocols, as highlighted in the article. Additionally, the EBC noted that through various nationwide outreach initiatives, efforts have been made to inform the public about the voting process, polling locations, citizens’ rights, electoral rules, and potential violations.
The article states that outreach included extensive campaigns on social media, as well as through radio, television, and print media, aimed at educating and engaging the public.
According to the EBC, approximately 1,154,708 citizens are eligible to participate in today’s election. Special voting for 16,748 individuals concluded yesterday.
Today’s election will involve selecting Members of Parliament for 41 constituencies, featuring 161 candidates, including three independents and representatives from 17 political parties. In contrast, the previous 2020 election had 151 candidates and 19 parties vying for seats.
This year’s election also occurs amid boundary revisions affecting 16 constituencies, with name changes for five of them: Arouca/Maloney is now Trincity/Maloney, D’Abadie/O’Meara is renamed Malabar/Mausica, Lopinot/Bon Air West has become Arouca/Lopinot, St. Joseph is now Aranguez/St. Joseph, and Pointe-a-Pierre is referred to as Claxton Bay.
The upcoming 2025 election will represent the first general election opportunity for groups such as the National Transformation Alliance led by Gary Griffith, the Patriotic Front led by Mickela Panday, and the All People’s Party led by Kezel Jackson.
In 2020, the PNM secured 22 seats, representing 49.05 percent of the votes, while the UNC achieved 19 seats with 47.14 percent. The estimated swing vote stood at 2.63 percent.
Will there be plane loads upon plane loads of chartered flights at Piarco International, with Trinidadians living abroad, to vote today and take off tonight?
Stolen elections have had Dominica as the least amongst Caribbean countries. The place stinks with tonnes of garbage everywhere, leptospirosis is the highest that it has ever been on island. That’s the fruits of a very very nasty and highly corrupt DLP led by an inveterate liar, who cannot account for BILLIONS of dollars of the country’s money. Even a HUGE HUGE HUGE building next to Credit Union in Roseau, is being littered with its fair share of garbage. Seem like the owner, he or she, is so dam rich, he or she does not bother with that anyway! Or maybe he or she has many homes scattered all over the place
MEME