The opposition United National Congress (UNC) has secured a sweeping victory in Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary elections, positioning party leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to return as prime minister, according to preliminary results.
Persad-Bissessar, 73, celebrated the UNC’s comeback Monday night at party headquarters in Chaguanas, dressed in the party’s signature yellow and flanked by jubilant supporters. Her win marks a dramatic political return after two consecutive election losses to the incumbent People’s National Movement (PNM).
“This victory is for the senior citizens to keep their pensions. This victory is for public servants to get their rightful salary increases,” she declared, addressing a crowd of cheering UNC loyalists. “When UNC wins, everybody wins.”
The UNC’s campaign centered on boosting wages, tackling unemployment, and reversing an economic downturn that has gripped the Caribbean nation. Early counts show the party wresting away several key seats previously held by the PNM.
Outgoing Prime Minister Keith Rowley, 75, conceded defeat late Monday, calling the night “disappointing” for his party. Rowley had stepped down earlier this year, handing over leadership to then-Energy Minister Stuart Young.
Young, 50, called a snap election just hours after being sworn in as Rowley’s successor—a move critics labelled unconstitutional and politically opportunistic.
His short tenure was marked by rising crime rates and a sluggish economy, further aggravated by a recently lifted 105-day state of emergency imposed in December.
The election took place amid heightened concerns over violent crime, with homicides spiking and widespread dissatisfaction over stagnant public sector wages.
Following her win, Persad-Bissessar reiterated campaign pledges including the re-opening of the long-shuttered children’s hospital, reintroducing laptop distribution for students, and creating more than 50,000 jobs.
Having previously served as prime minister from 2010 to 2015, Persad-Bissessar is now poised to return to office with a renewed mandate and a promise of inclusive governance.
Final certified results are expected in the coming days.
