The Hindu vote within the UNC

THE EDITOR: With the death of Sat Maharaj, former leader of the influential Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, it is not surprising there are interested parties wanting control of this vastly important organisation. The SDMS has historically been linked to the United National Congress.

My letter is not about their internal conflict but about how really big the Hindu vote is within the UNC. We need to break numbers down to ask how many Indo-Trinbagonians still follow the Hindu religion? Many Indo-Trinbagonians are also Presbyterians and will also claim allegiance to the UNC.

There are in fact many pastors of small Christian churches who are of pure Indo parentage. If one is to go by social media advertisements, these Christian pastors have large flocks composed of all races. One such pastor had $29 million in tithes lodged at his church.

It is now quite reasonable to agree that in the year 2020, many Indo-Trinis no longer vote on race or religion and are content to support any political party of their choosing. How further weakened then, is the Hindu vote within the UNC? The UNC is already geographically constrained by most registered supporters living, by choice, in many areas of South and Central Trinidad. There is alleged limited UNC support in Tobago.

In TT electoral politics, the UNC must forge a political coalition to genuinely win the votes of non-Hindus and political fence-sitters living along the contentious East/West corridor. Without a coalition, they must campaign diligently.

On another matter, I do not anticipate any confusion regarding the final counting of ballots in TT. Problems in Guyana appear entirely Guyanese in origin. The EBC runs a sophisticated ship. It is systematically possible to ensure verification and safety of all ballot boxes used in all 41 constituencies.

With dedicated observers in place along with surveillance from our combined protective services, general elections 2020 should be as smooth and as successful as was Carnival 2020.

LYNETTE JOSEPH

Diego Martin