Two weeks, ago I wrote how the prime minister caught the country by surprise when he called the election a lot sooner than anticipated. In hindsight, I think he did us a favour. Because in shortening the campaign period, he has also shortened the madness that comes with it. Thankfully, we’re already halfway through. But, for the sake of constructive, albeit amusing commentary, let’s take a look at a few of the more interesting stories that this election’s “silly season” has provided us.
1. The Campaign that never was
Ten days after the election bell was rung, Mickela Panday, leader of the Patriotic Front, announced that her party would be bowing out. Considering that third-force parties have the odds stacked against them, it begs the question —what were her expectations? After announcing her intention to form a party in May 2018, a full year would pass before it officially had a name. The next time we heard from her was this past June when she declared, incredulously, that all 41 seats would be contested. But in between those two announcements—nothing; Ms Panday was hardly visible during that time. Did she anticipate (ie hope) that simply being the daughter of Basdeo Panday would sway grassroots voters to her side? Or, as I have speculated in the past, was this an elaborate ruse to pressure the UNC to welcome her back to prevent splitting the vote? Either way… she more than likely spared herself the embarrassment of a poor showing at the polls. But it’s also likely that we haven’t seen the last of her (or her father).
2. The Pot calling the Kettle Blank
This is a classic case of ‘he said, she said’. At a recent campaign rally, Mrs Persad-Bissessar referred to the prime minister as “Blank Man.” He however, claimed she called him a “Black Man” and accused her of racism. Considering that the words blank and black sound similar, its use in a speech was clumsy and prone to mispronunciation (especially if done accidentally-on-purpose). That being said, it’s disingenuous for Dr Rowley to make such an accusation, especially in light of his own questionable comment a couple of months ago when he referred to some citizens as a “recalcitrant minority,” a term with historical and racial significance for Indo-Trinidadians. He seems to have conveniently forgotten this and has never offered an explanation or an apology. But there’s more than enough shame to go around, for both political parties are guilty of stirring up racial animosity. So, to the question of “did she or didn’t she”— it doesn’t matter. Their respective supporters heard what they wanted to hear.
And speaking of “blank”…
3. The Movement for Social Justice …
(It’s blank—get it… because there’s nothing worth writing about.)
But seriously though…
4. Two’s a Couple, Three Doesn’t Stand a Chance
Some Trinbagonians—not the “till ah ded” voters—believe a third party is needed to break our political status quo. However, they also believe that said party doesn’t stand a chance of winning an election, let alone a single seat. The spectacular defeat of the Congress of the People in 2007 proved that, and it got almost 25 per cent of the vote. Now, while no one expects anything from the MSJ, there are a few new participants in the political arena that may have the potential to shake things up. Topping the list is the Progressive Empowerment Party. It is well-organised, has the largest slate of candidates, and its leader, Phillip Edward Alexander, has used social media as an omnipresent platform to speak directly to the electorate. There is also a cohort of independent candidates who are recognisable figures. There’s Kirk Waithe of “Fixin’ TnT;” former temporary independent senator, Nikoli Edwards; and Diego Martin activist, Garvin Nicholas. They may not be able to win the seats they are contesting, but they might just pull enough votes to upset the traditional winners.
And speaking of independent candidates…
5. Jack is Back’kr… so is Fuad
If you needed more proof that anything can happen in 2020, here’s Jack Warner and Fuad Abu Bakr running as candidates in this election. One of them is fighting extradition to the United States to face criminal prosecution. And the other is the son of an infamous insurrectionist and has never denounced his father’s actions. In fairness to them—Mr Warner is not facing any charges locally, and Mr Bakr should not be held responsible for the crimes of his father. At the same time, however, these are extenuating issues that bring their character and their intentions into question. Perhaps it only confirms what Mr Basdeo Panday said about politics having a morality of its own.
So...there you have it—just a sample of the curious, the ridiculous, and the distasteful; all the accoutrements you’d expect from an election in Trinidad and Tobago. But you know what the irony is? It’s how little our democracy has changed. In five, ten, or fifteen years from now, we’ll probably still be talking about racism and politics, still be talking about the feasibility of a third party, and there may even be a Panday still running for office. But for now… let’s just try and get through the next two weeks.