UNC will open nominations for midterm elections ‘soon’

The United National Congress (UNC) will soon open nominations for the bye-elections in the seats of Lengua/Indian Walk and Quinam/Morne Diablo.

Confirmation on Loop news from party chairman Davendranath Tancoo.

The Quinam/Morne Diablo seat became vacant last December following the death of councilor Diptee Ramnath. By-elections were ordered for the Lengua/Indian Walk seat after a draw in last year’s local government elections.

Tancoo said: “As a fully democratic party, we will soon open nominations for the local government by-election seats and continue screening candidates to ensure that the best candidate is selected to represent the citizens in those areas. “

On Thursday, the People’s National Movement (PNM) announced that the party had opened nominations for both seats, with a submission deadline confirmed for May 15.

However, the party did not announce an actual date.

When asked if this would affect the UNC’s process, Tancoo said the party is nevertheless preparing for victory and that “they also know that we will win.”

During the UNC’s 35th anniversary celebrations in Chaguanas last month, opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar also noted that the party was preparing for the elections.

She said: “As you are aware, the courts have ruled that a by-election should take place in the Lengua/Indian Walk district, following the draw in last year’s local elections. Also, in December last year, our dear UNC soldier, Quinam/Morne Diablo Councilor and Penal/Debe Regional Corporation Chairman Diptee Ramnath, sadly passed away. The UNC will soon open nominations for these two districts in preparation for these by-elections whenever Prime Minister Rowley pulls the date out of his back pocket.”

She also noted that the party was in full preparation for next year’s general elections.