Unless you’re wearing red or yellow today, traffic negotiation in the political motorcade circuits may be testy.
How PNM’s Big Red motorcade will wind its way alongside UNC motorcades in other areas will unfold from 8 am when the PNM will seek to rule the road until 8 pm, declaring intent for Monday’s historic election. One which, in the absence of normal indicators like public meetings, could be this close.
While PNM leader Dr Keith Rowley’s been dancing, hands upraised, on recent platforms, PNM has battled extremely hard against what some deem as “Yellow Fever” firing up in some quarters.
Proper perspective of the contest, however, is that despite claims and accusations on each side, on election eve, the only wave that’s present is T&T’s second COVID-19 wave – lurking presence of which will be the final factor influencing voters.
Smaller adversaries apart, the fight by both to secure and increase has taken a toll. Rowley, at Thursday’s last campaign meeting, admitted to being a little tired. UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, at UNC’s final meeting Thursday, didn’t admit to weariness but a low energy opening and at other points were noted. Thursday, however, was the day she replied to Guardian queries on colleague Barry Padarath’s police probe issues.
Persad-Bissessar’s been motorcading for weeks, while Rowley’s spearheaded presentation functions in many areas. Since the tied 2019 Local Government results, the revelations of campaign 2020 have taught the heavily-burdened PNM the hard lesson that in trying to fix a country’s deeply entrenched issues, one cannot lose touch with its people – or others will pick them up. Aspects of PNM’s offerings have confirmed that failing; campaign language holding assurances to “carry” and “protect”, “leaving “no one behind”.
The one position both parties have espoused is that Monday’s poll is about people’s lives.
Assorted considerations are involved: whether PNM’s Moruga, La Horquetta, Toco, San Fernando West and St Joseph teams will be able to stave off UNC’s attentiveness to voters and weaponry of appliance/hamper/financial “assistance”. Party tours have included La Brea, initially fragmented by candidate selection and where UNC’s “yellow” has bloomed. Up to yesterday, Moruga remained the most in question. But PNM’s hunting Chaguanas East and San Juan/Barataria. And Tobago’s test remains among the “half” that may vote and what arrangements may arise there.
Questions also stand on the impact of UNC’s alleged corruption baggage, issues concerning Padarath and MP Roodal Moonilal, disenchantment by supporters over replacement of respected MPs - and concerns within and without whether capability of UNC’s young new team will be adequately offset by crossover non-traditional supporters prominent in UNC’s optics.
Rowley’s team is clear from his candidate choices but negative message on transparency is being sent by the fact UNC hasn’t stated who may form its cabinet beyond hints of former MPs and emergence of ex-Central Bank governor Jwala Rambaran (on whom there’s mixed response).
Final week giveaways apart, UNC’s produced less ammunition against PNM than expected. But there are queries on what PNM’s 18 state enterprise audits revealed.
PNM’s battle to recoup the “ground” has included defence of the Afro-T&T community against UNC ads - part of the never-ending race debate. Answers also arrive Monday on if PNM’s COVID accomplishments provide further support, or have faltered amid rising cases which might spook voters away.
And both need numbers beyond followers. COVID’s segmented the campaign between ground and mass/social media outreach. How voter turnout compares with the 2015 figure (67.27 per cent) looms ahead. But Monday involves purely mathematical and logistical ground game. How many people will be lined up from 3 am to ensure they vote will be among sidebar conversations.
Tightness of the fight has also emerged in PNM’s language – “beg”, “appeal, “plead” - and Rowley’s statement on reaction to loss. At Thursday’s meeting, he thanked T&T for the opportunity to serve. Persad-Bissesssar’s reassured those apprehensive of a UNC victory. Both warriors have been in politics for decades. Both have had health issues - his planned April health check cancelled by COVID.
Another road will be shaped for each Monday. Including by those watching the motorcades’ path today.