After putting the citizenry on election standby a little over a week ago, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley now says he does not intend to ring the election bell any time soon.
On June 23, while addressing supporters at the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) Sports and Family Day at Skinner Park, San Fernando, the prime minister asked people to stand by and wait for the call, sending a signal to opposition members and others that an early election day might be on the horizon.
“I ask you to stand by and wait for the call because, in the middle of the night, the dawn may not be too far away. Ladies and gentlemen, whenever they are ready, THA elections, by-election, or general election, we will beat them,” heaid.
However, while speaking in Parliament yesterday, Rowley acted surprised that Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar was mentioning the election but assured that he has no intention of calling it soon.
Teasing her, he said, “With your record, I would stay far from elections.”
“I notice my colleague from Siparia is opposed to the election. Every time my colleague gets the opportunity, she talks about ‘an election is due.’ Who tell you that? I want to comfort my colleague from Siparia; I do not intend to call the election very soon. You have to be here a little while longer in that seat. This Government that I lead was elected to serve for five years ... We have a long time to go to your next defeat, so don’t be too anxious,” he added.
The last general election was held on August 10, 2020. The Rowley-led Government claimed victory securing a second term in office. Their term expires next year. —KAY-MARIE FLETCHER