Opposition's UNC Party Triumphs in Trinidad and Tobago Elections

In a surprising turn, the opposition party in Trinidad and Tobago secures a dominant win in parliamentary elections, bringing Kamla Persad-Bissessar back to power.

In a decisive move, the opposition in Trinidad and Tobago has emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections held on Monday. Preliminary results indicate that the centrist United National Congress (UNC) party, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, will take the reins as the new government, marking her return as prime minister. The 73-year-old previously held this position from 2010 to 2015, following two consecutive defeats in the last elections to the People's National Movement (PNM).

The UNC's campaign centered around improving wages and creating jobs, resonating with voters. Supporters celebrated the election night, and the party's gains included several parliamentary seats previously held by the PNM. PNM leader Keith Rowley acknowledged his party's loss late on Monday, noting it was not a good night for them and conceding defeat. Rowley, who had served as prime minister since 2015, stepped down earlier this year, handing over the role to energy minister Stuart Young.

However, in a controversial move, Young immediately called for a snap election shortly after his appointment, a decision criticized by the opposition as unconstitutional. The election took place in a context of rising crime rates and economic challenges facing the nation, with the previous government having declared a state of emergency just months prior.

During her victory speech, Persad-Bissessar assured the public of her commitment to various reforms, promising salary increases for public sector workers and emphasizing that "no one" would be left behind under her government. She highlighted her intentions to support senior citizens, re-open children's hospitals, and create over 50,000 jobs, cementing her vision for a better future for all Trinidadians.