As Trinidad and Tobago heads to the polls, voters are demanding change in a nation plagued by rising crime levels, trade tariffs, and a struggling economy.
Voters in the twin-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago are heading to the polls today, casting ballots for representatives who will shape the country’s future amidst a backdrop of rising crime levels, trade tariffs, and a struggling economy.
Located in the southern Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago is a twin-island country consisting of 'Trinidad' and 'Tobago.'
The two islands have a combined area of approximately 5,128 square kilometers.
The capital city, 'Port of Spain,' is located on the northern edge of Trinidad.
The country's population is around 1.4 million people, with the majority residing in urban areas.
Trinidad and Tobago has a diverse culture influenced by its colonial past and indigenous heritage.
At stake is the 41 seats in the lower House of Representatives, with voters choosing leaders from two main parties: the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) and the United National Congress (UNC). The PNM, led by Prime Minister Stuart Young, has promised to modernize governance, digitize services, and improve public safety. In contrast, the UNC, led by 73-year-old Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has vowed to tackle crime through the creation of new ministries of defense and justice.
The two main parties in Trinidad and Tobago are the People's National Movement (PNM) and the United National Congress (UNC).
The country has a parliamentary system, with 41 members elected through single-member constituencies.
Elections are held every five years, unless called earlier by the Prime Minister.
The most recent election was held in 2020, resulting in a PNM victory.
Voter turnout is generally high, with over 90% of eligible voters participating in past elections.
The trigger for this election was former Prime Minister Keith Rowley‘s unprecedented decision to stand down in March, becoming the country’s first leader to resign without losing at the polls. The move sparked a wave of uncertainty, with many questioning the stability of the government. Since then, Trinidad and Tobago has been plagued by soaring crime levels, including 624 homicides last year, making it one of the most violent countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Keith Christopher Rowley is a Trinidadian politician who has been serving as the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago since 2015.
Born on October 24, 1949, in Tobago, Rowley studied economics at the University of the West Indies.
He began his political career in 1986 and held various ministerial positions before becoming Prime Minister.
Rowley has been a member of the People's National Movement (PNM) since its inception.
The international context is also crucial to this election. The US has revoked licenses for offshore natural gas projects between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, dealing a blow to the country’s economic growth projections. This development has raised concerns about the potential impact of a PNM victory on relations with the US and Venezuela.
The election is also marked by class concerns, with many voters like maintenance worker Clinton Brewster expressing frustration over the rising cost of living, which is outpacing salaries. The trade unions have sided with the UNC against the government on this issue, highlighting a divide between the working class and the privileged elite.
In Trinidad and Tobago‘s history, race has been a contentious issue in local politics, with the PNM drawing support from Afro-Trinidadians and the UNC from Indo-Trinidadian communities. While both parties have denied using ethnicity as a tool for political gain, accusations of racial messaging in AI-generated ads and finger-pointing over class representation have marred the campaign.
As Trinidad and Tobago heads to the polls, activists are calling for a focus on equality and equity. ‘We must consolidate gains made in the fight for equality, fair play, and justice,’ said Dharmacharya Pandit Rampersad Parasram, a senior member of the T&T Hindu community.
The outcome of this election is far from certain, with many factors at play. One thing is clear: Trinidad and Tobago‘s voters are demanding change, and their voices will shape the country’s future in the years to come.
