Carolyn, Sharon ready for COP race

The two candidates vying for political leader of the Congress of the People (COP) are positive about their chances in today’s internal elections.

Sharon Ann Gopaul-McNicol told Sunday Newsday she was very confident about winning since she did a lot of ground work leading up to the election. She said she went from door to door, meeting as many members in as many constituencies as possible, and not just interacting with them in the media and through social media. “That is my model of politics and of governance.”

Comparing the COP internal leadership election with that of the United National Congress’ (UNC) where there had been back-biting, name-calling, and malicious comments she said, “It’s a different type of dirtiness and un-healthiness. We stand on principle, we stick with the constitution and that keeps things in line, even if it means legal action.”

Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, a former San Fernando West MP and minister under the People’s Partnership government, also believed her chances of winning the post of political leader were very good as she was getting a lot of positive comments from members.

“I have been hearing that people feel I am the one capable of moving the party forward and bringing it back on track in accordance with our philosophy and our foundation principals and values.”

Seepersad-Bachan said her experience in government was also a positive as people realised she stuck to the COP and what it stood for.

Voting would take place from 9 am to 6 pm at 13 polling stations and results are expected to be announced at the COP Operations Centre, Charlieville tonight.