Over 77 nominations were filed yesterday on the last day of the United National Congress’ internal nominations for general elections 2025. The nominations were filed by 1 pm. Party sources said that based on preliminary estimates the total number of present MPs, Senators, councillors and members who threw their hat in the ring in the hope of representing the UNC could be well over 200.
Screening is expected to begin in May.
Nominees paid a $1,000 nomination fee. Apart from background information, they were required to have a police Certificate of Character and give the signatures of 36 people from within the constituency they sought, plus three testimonials.
They also had to write an account of their involvement in the area and what qualified them to be a Member of Parliament. There was a “True or False” character check including if nominees had legal issues and about citizenship. They had to say if they would agree to a drug test if that became necessary.
UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s nomination for Siparia was filed yesterday morning instead of 1 pm. On Tuesday, the party’s Public Relations Officer Kirk Meighoo stated Persad-Bissessar would have filed at 1 pm. Other officials said that would have been the same time several incumbents were filing nominations.
Yesterday Persad-Bissessar confirmed her nomination was filed yesterday morning as she had meetings booked all afternoon. She shared a picture of her receipt for payment of her nomination fee.
Former Caroni Central MP Glenn Ramadharsingh (2010 to 2015) filed his nomination on Tuesday. Incumbent Arnold Ram is also seeking to contest the seat again for the UNC. Also filing nominations yesterday were Dr Roodal Moonilal (Oropouche East MP of 23 years) Barry Padarath (Princes Town), Dr Rishad Seecheran (Caroni East) Dave Tancoo (Oropouche West) and others. There was no reply if charge-burdened David Lee filed for Pointe a Pierre. Senator David Nakhid filed for Tunapuna.
Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes-Alleyne, who supported Rushton Paray’s call for the UNC to hold its internal election before the general elections in 2025, said she was accompanied to file her nomination by “my executive.”
Cumuto/Manzailla MP Dr Rai Ragbir—who also supported Paray, filed nomination papers before 1 pm.
UNC Senator Damian Lyder has his eye on contesting the Cumuto/Manzanilla seat for the UNC. However, Ragbir was unfazed.
“I went to file nomination by myself and the Almighty. It was a humbling experience. Some may consider me weak, passive and ineffective. However, the work I’ve managed to get done speaks for itself.”
Ragbir added, “The fact that I’ve spoken out in support of internal elections might suggest I’m not in support of UNC. But I’m a loyal UNC supporter and have been a past deputy political leader and party treasurer. The screening may decide whether I return as incumbent but I have faith Almighty God will direct my path for the benefit of the wonderful humble people of Cumuto/ Manzanilla.”
Lyder said of his bid, “It’s a constituency that’s been neglected by the PNM and is a place where I have a strong relationship with residents, groups and councillors. Given my business management and team building experience, I believe I’ll be able to contribute significantly to the area especially advocating for equality and justice concerning national resources.”
On seeking nomination against Ragbir, Lyder added,
“The UNC’s a democratically run party. Everyone has the opportunity to apply for any position. My nomination has nothing to do with my relationship with the current MP, of whom I’’m very fond. I’m simply exercising my democratic right to seek to contest.”
Rambally reveals
direction today
There was no reply from Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally on whether he filed a nomination. There were recent signals Rambally was contemplating not contesting. This is after issues on the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha matters with some leadership officials. Rambally is the SDMS’ legal adviser.
Rambally has not given his position on Paray’s call for internal elections, but he will speak today “addressing issues in the UNC and upcoming elections,” according to a media release. Guardian Media was told that he had been meeting with people, including heads of some religious/cultural organisations, on his position.
Despite the nominations being filed yesterday, some members of UNC MP Rodney Charles’ Naparima executive repeated calls for UNC national executive elections and called for the postponement of the screening process.
“We’re firmly convinced it’s not proper protocol to be screening candidates for a general election due late next year while Natex elections are on the immediate horizon. It cannot be right administratively, in the interest of democracy, and otherwise, for an incoming Natex to be saddled by decisions deliberately taken by an outgoing one. This can, and will, frustrate democracy in our great party,” they added.