Trinidad and Tobago: Surprise, There’s an Election

Voters in Trinidad and Tobago went to the polls Monday to choose their representatives in what was described as one of the most unpredictable legislative elections in decades, wrote the Guardian. 

The election was called after former prime minister Keith Rowley of the governing People’s National Movement (PNM) unexpectedly resigned in March – the first leader to do so without losing at the polls – and Stuart Young, 50, was sworn in as prime minister. He immediately dissolved parliament and called for an election, wanting to win a mandate. 

He will face off against the leader of the opposition United National Congress (UNC) party, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, 73, who served as prime minister from 2010 to 2015. While her party has struggled with internal party turmoil, high-profile resignations, and numerous electoral defeats, analysts say she has a loyal base of support. 

The top priorities for voters, polls show, are rising crime, US tariffs, and inflation. They also highlight how Persad-Bissessar has taken the lead, Agence France-Presse reported. 

The islands are dealing with a wave of gang violence, which triggered a three-month state of emergency earlier this year. Trinidad and Tobago, with a population of about 1.5 million, saw 624 homicides last year – the country is one of the most violent in the region.  

One important outcome of the election will be offshore natural gas projects between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela: The US revoked two licenses it had granted. Analyst Hamid Ghany said it’s possible that those grants might be reinstated if the UNC wins, given Persad-Bissessar’s favorable attitude toward the Trump administration. The current prime minister is seen as close to Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, who is under US sanctions.