?The outcome of the UNC leadership contest is too close to call, with the dual COP members the decisive factor in who wins. Incumbent Basdeo Panday holds an edge over contenders Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj among financial voting members.�Kamla slipped in popularity for ridiculing Panday, while Ramesh is surging because of his reputation as a fighter for people's rights in battling the government, and an effective ground campaign. These are the major findings of the latest Nacta tracking poll, done during the last week with 386 voters. Voters criticised Panday for outlining Kamla's "weaknesses," but Kamla was also rebuked for denigrating her guru.
The poll shows Kamla's political fate is tied up with dual COP members, but it is not clear if they will take the risk to try and vote. Underdog Ramesh is finishing strongly from the rear, earning high ratings as the person needed to rebuild UNC to get into government. The poll shows Bas leading with 38 per cent; Ramesh at 27 per cent, and Kamla 23 per cent, with a margin of error of 6 per cent. Among dual COP members, Kamla leads with 74 per cent, with Ramesh was at 16 per cent and Bas 4 per cent.