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Today, Monday, April 28, 2025, Trinidad and Tobago is holding a very important general election. There is a lot of uncertainty and public interest.
This election was triggered by the sudden resignation of Prime Minister Keith Rowley in March. Stuart Young then took over and quickly called for early elections to get his own mandate from the voters.
The two main parties are the People’s National Movement (PNM), led by Stuart Young, and the United National Congress (UNC), led by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The UNC has been focusing its campaign on crime and the rising cost of living, hoping to use public anger to their advantage.
Crime is a huge issue this year. Last year, there were a record 624 murders, which caused a three-month state of emergency. The UNC promises to create new ministries of defense and justice. The PNM says it will modernize the government and improve public safety with a new Ministry of Implementation and Efficiency.
The state of emergency has led to heightened travel warnings issued by the US Department of State.
The economy is another big concern. U.S. trade tariffs and the loss of licenses for energy projects with Venezuela have hurt growth. Many voters are worried about the cost of living and the country’s economic future.
Polls show a tight race. The UNC is leading in several swing areas in Trinidad, while the PNM is still strong in Tobago. A poll done from April 10-13 showed 45% support for the UNC and 30% for the PNM, suggesting the government could change.
Seventeen political parties and three independent candidates are also competing. Some of these smaller groups, like the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) and the Trinidad Humanity Campaign (THC), are offering new ideas focused on governance reform and social justice.
The UNC has also raised concerns about the election’s fairness. Prime Minister Young said he invited international observers from the Commonwealth Secretariat, but the Elections and Boundaries Commission said they had no confirmation. This has led to calls for more transparency.
As people vote today, Trinidad and Tobago faces a major decision. The results will show how voters feel about crime, the economy, and the trustworthiness of their leaders.
Sources: The Guardian, WriteUps24.
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