As the Opposition, United National Congress (UNC), opens nominations today for its June 15 national executive (Natex) elections, MP Rodney Charles says councillors, aldermen and MPs who’ve publicly indicated their support of party leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and existing executive shouldn’t be involved in election preparation processes.
Several incumbent Natex officers are expected to defend their posts—along with others supporting Mayaro MP Rushton Paray, who had called for the Natex poll in March.
While the nominations for internal election open today, the UNC also opens nominations today for nominees for the June 17 by-elections in Quinam-Morne Diablo and Lengua Indian Walk.
The deadline for Natex nominations is May 25 at 4 pm while the deadline for the by-election nominees is this Friday.
Checks with some Natex incumbents yesterday indicated most will defend their posts.
MP Saddam Hosein, when asked about his research officer post said, “If and when I file, I’ll be happy to let you know.”
On comments by Paray and others on the election being called, Hosein said, “The political leader had clearly said the elections would be called. Elections were always free and fair ... all are welcome to contest, we’re built on democratic principles. I look forward to the elections and a very healthy campaigning period.”
The current Natex, which was Persad-Bissessar’s slate, was elected in 2022. Her term is up next year.
The party confirmed that of the 20 executive posts, 17 are up for contest. Some, PRO and general secretary, are appointed posts.
The following posts (held by incumbents listed) are up for contest. Deputy leaders (Roodal Moonilal, Jearlean John, David Lee); chairman (Davendranath Tancoo); vice chairman (Khadijah Ameen); education officer (Vandana Mohit); research officer (Saddam Hosein); elections officer (Don Sylvester); party organiser (Ravi Ratiram); treasurer (Neil Gosine); policy and strategy (Sean Sobers); international relations officer (Nicholas Morris); South regional representative (Shanty Boodram); Central regional representative (Barry Padarath); Northwest regional representative (Eli Zakour); Northeast regional representative (Anil Roberts).
The Tobago Regional post has been vacant since June 2023 after then-office holder Taharqa Obika joined the PNM.
Charles said the Natex election would be the most important for the UNC and for T&T’s future.
“I hope it will be conducted with the highest level of transparency, best practices in the conduct of elections, accountability, and integrity so that no slate will have a decided advantage ... We must be the gold standard for holding elections, only then will the true will of UNC’s 300,000 members be known,” he said.
“Ideally, given grave concerns by those who led slates in recent past internal elections, the elections should be presided over by a supervisory team comprising two nominees from each slate and a chair agreeable to both sides. This will augur well for transparency and integrity.”
He said just as UNC called for external observers in national elections, “it might be useful to have impartial local bodies monitor this election”.
Charles also recommended, “Aldermen, councillors and MPs who’ve publicly indicated their support of UNC’s leader and existing executive through letters in the media shouldn’t serve as presiding officers or determine the location of polling stations.
“Members on slates/who publicly support slates, must not be actively involved in the conduct and management of internal elections.”
He added, “Members who’ve supported the party should, if they wish and are in good standing according to UNC’s constitution, be able to vote. Voter lists must be made available (as EBC does) so members aren’t told on election day they’re ‘not on the list’ and cannot vote.”
Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Dr Rai Ragbir, who’d also called for Natex polls, said, “It’s a victory for democracy that Natex elections have been called. There’s hope for our great party and T&T. Whatever the outcome, we cannot underscore the need for us to underscore our constitution and our leaders to lead by example.”
Lawyer heads
election committee
The UNC yesterday named attorney Darryl Allahar to head its elections management committee for the internal election.
The team met yesterday and issued the manual and rules for the conduct of the elections, the party said in a release.
Other committee members are Justice of the Peace Marilyn Martin, who has been on the committee on two previous occasions, and former Penal-Debe corporation chairman Dr Allen Sammy.
The team was appointed by the party’s national executive and will function until the election is completed and an executive is elected.
Terms of reference of the team include scrutinising and validating nomination forms submitted; announcing the candidates contesting the positions; sourcing, securing and allocating personnel and resources necessary for the efficient and fair conduct of the election on polling day; and arranging for information/training sessions for all election personnel—inclusive of candidates and their agents. The team is also responsible for securing all ballots (used and unused), ballot boxes and other election material before, during and at the close of polling for requests of recounts and for other requests if necessary. They will also announce results.