Today’s election is operating with recent boundary changes, addition of two new seats and name changes in 12 seats, within four UNC-held corporation areas and three PNM corporations. Changes affect areas including marginals Siparia and Sangre Grande, plus San Juan/Barataria, Couva, Penal-Debe, San Fernando and Chaguanas.
In the November 28, 2016 LG poll, there were 317 candidates encompassing eight parties and four Independents contesting the 137 seats.
Then, the PNM won 83 seats with 174,754 votes in seven corporations. UNC won 54 seats with 180,758 votes - the popular vote. Both tied in Sangre Grande where PNM eventually took control. Other contestants failed to secure anything.
Persad-Bissessar’s previous PP administration won 2010 general polls and July 2010 LG elections. But PP lost 2013 Local Government polls, the St Joseph and Chaguanas West elections and 2014 THA polls, plus 2015 General Elections.
Persad-Bissessar presided over a modestly improved UNC showing in 2016 LG polls. In the 2018 by-elections for PNM-held Belmont East and Barataria, UNC also took Barataria.
PNM’s Rowley leadership won the 2015 general elections and won 2016 LG polls. But PNM lost ground and two seats in 2017 THA polls and lost Barataria in 2018 though retaining Belmont West.
Today’s respective “ground game” and electorate turnout will dictate the outcome and who pulls ahead.
PNM leadership will follow results from their Balisier House PoS headquarters. Opposition leadership will be at Couva South Hall.
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