Former People's National Movement (PNM) political leader Patrick Manning's advice to delegates from his San Fernando East constituency to abstain from voting in Sunday's national executive elections is intended to ensure that he not be accused of influencing the outcome of the results.Chairman of the constituency Tina Gronlund-Nunez said this during an interview with the T&T Guardian yesterday.She added that if San Fernando East abstained they would not be voting for or against anyone.Questioned about Manning's advice which was given during a meeting of the constituency on Monday night, Gronlund-Nunez said: "It was the best way of ensuring that the former leader did not influence the outcome of the internal elections."
"Mr Manning will never do anything to undermine the party or its constitution. Mr Manning has a high regard for protocol and would not, in any way, seek to undermine the party," she insisted.She said Manning's advice "should never be seen as any attempt to undermine the new leadership of the party."Gronlund-Nunez, who chaired Monday's meeting, said Manning's advice to abstain was never put to the meeting for a vote but there appeared to be widespread agreement with it.She added that San Fernando East had the largest block of votes and if they voted it could be claimed that they (San Fernando East) may have influenced the result.She confirmed that San Fernando East would not be voting in the elections.
She said this may have upset some members, causing them to claim that the former prime minister was undermining the 54-year-old party.But she stressed the constituency will support the new executive when elected. "San Fernando East wishes all the candidates the best of luck on Sunday. We will support our new executive as we move to advance the party and the nation in the future," Gronlund-Nunez added. (RL)