The Congress of the People (COP) faces a crucial test over the next few weeks. For the first time since its formation some four and a half years ago the position of political leader will be contested. Taken in the context of Trinidad and Tobago's political history, this is amazing. Founded in 1956, the PNM faced no leadership contest for 40 years until Dr Keith Rowley challenged Patrick Manning and lost. The UNC, for 19 years conducted their affairs without a contest for the post of political leader until Kamla Persad-Bissessar dethroned Basdeo Panday in 2010, though the executive clashed with the political leader intermittently almost from the birth of the party through 2006. As the so-called third party and the standard-bearer of the new politics, how the COP membership, current political leader and leadership handle this contest will be important in defining the brand of the COP and in demonstrating a commitment to the new politics. More importantly though, is that if the party wants to increase its influence in the governing coalition, the party must be able to demonstrate that its fortunes are on the rise as opposed to waning.
When the party was formed in 2006, the supporters believed that Winston Dookeran's vision and integrity could propel it into government. In the 2007 election, the COP presented a mixed team of candidates. Though several COP candidates were veteran politicians and had served in previous governments, several others were young and fresh to the politics, though experienced in their fields of endeavour. For a variety of reasons, the COP was unable to convince a majority of the electorate to leave their comfort zones and support the COP to get into government. Without a seat, the COP persevered in the political 'wilderness'. The next year was a difficult one. In addition to the attacks from outside, trouble began inside the party; the party leader was absent for a long period; the chairman was preparing to make his exit and funds were running low. During this year, Prakash Ramadhar attempted to consolidate and kept the party in the public eye. He couldn't do it alone. Several people contributed, but it was in Ramadhar, the country could see the possibility of a future for the COP. Ramadhar then went on to lead the Axe the Tax campaign which saw him join forces with soon-to-be Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. He then fasted with Dr Lincoln Douglas for the soul of the nation in Woodford Square.
Fast forward. For the 2010 general election the Partnership came together hastily. The mechanics had not been worked out. Several figures were vying for prominence. Ramadhar, knowing that there would be a backlash, did what he thought he had to do. He acted as the bridge amongst the parties, often calming egos and smoothing disagreements behind the scenes. In Government, he has kept a fairly low profile. Several COP supporters talk privately though, about how much effort he is putting into making sure competent COP supporters are given an opportunity to play a role in the country's development. He displays a coolness and consistency in Government that has seen him being asked to sit on almost every committee to resolve contentious issues, and played a lead role in assuaging farmers' concerns after their crops had been bulldozed recently to make way for housing. "Mediator," the headline screamed. Rewind. It's no secret that COP supporters were disappointed by the allocation of seats in both the general and Local Government elections of 2010. It's no secret that they want their party to be stronger and demonstrate that strength in the Government.
For this to happen and for the party to be able to interact with the Partnership partners from a position of strength, it needs to do things differently. Prakash Ramadhar can attract new people to the party. He can work with a variety of people who will sometimes have opposing interests. He listens. He has far to go in the politics. Ramadhar embodies much of the best of the COP. He represents the hope that the politics of the country can change and that politicians can be noble. He cares deeply about people and has a strong sense of duty. In his political career, he has demonstrated that he is neither over eager nor is he afraid to step up when required. In the statements which he has made and by the things for which he has fought, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to truth and justice. In any race, looking sideways or backward is a sure way run more slowly. The time has come to look ahead; to look to the future. Prakash Ramadhar should contest the post of COP Political Leader. This would be good for him; good for the party; good for the Government and good for the country. If he does so, he will win.