Trinibagonians have expressed concern about several important issues in the country that will influence how they vote in the 2025 general elections. Two of the most important issues are the state of the economy (cost of living, availability of foreign currency, high paying jobs) and the level of security in the country, according to findings of surveys conducted by NACTA during 2024.
Voters are worried about the high homicide rate, home invasions, street robberies, and other crimes, putting everyone on edge. Anyone can be a victim at any time, but the political parties have failed to jointly address the crime menace which the public feel should transcend politics.
The population is looking at which party has a better plan and line up of candidates to address the economy and security issues. The government seems unable to stem the uptick in crime. But the people don’t see the opposition as offering a credible alternative in combating crime. There is no one in the opposition party line up who had a record of successfully taming runaway crime. Almost everyone is in agreement that discarded Police Commissioner, Gary Griffith, was most effective in handling crime. He had the highest ratings of any PC.
After allying with and helping the UNC in the 2023 local elections, Griffith’s NTA has had a falling out with the senior partner. In terms of law, Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj was the most effective Attorney General to combat crime, and the public, supporters of both major parties, will like to see his return. But after his rejection as a candidate in 2010, he has no interest to return to electoral politics leaving the opposition without a credible crime fighter. Voters say that the reputation of Maharaj, as PM or as AG, will drive fear among criminals. Were he to lead the opposition, it will be landslide victory with even PNM strongholds falling as many PNM supporters express a preference for him over other UNCites.
The population also near unanimously complain about the state of the economy and rising prices of basic goods. The public is concerned that the UNC has not attracted a credible person in parliament or parliament with the ability to turn around the declining economy. Vasanth Bharath’s name was mentioned as acceptable face to handle finance ministry. The business community has faith and confidence in him. He is among the best among the lot for stewardship of the economy. But he is not in the line up for a seat.
Based on views from the public, the PNM is not doing well in the handling of the economy and national security. But UNC has not been able to capture the imagination of the public amidst widespread disgruntlement with the incumbent. It is not surprising, therefore, that the incumbent holds an advantage over the opposition in the battleground constituencies.
The UNC suffers from a self inflicted disadvantage on the two most important issues about which the nation cares most. Macroeconomic conditions are worsening as is the security situation that should benefit UNC, but it is not. Voters are displeased with several MPs or nominees going up in the coming elections. They want better candidates and are also calling for a united opposition, which is not in the cards.
For reasons of its own, the opposition has not been able in restoring voters’ trust in it after the 2015 defeat and a repeat in 2020. A Rowley hat trick is in the making for 2025.
